Columbus, Georgia

Columbus is located in west central Georgia, on the eastern bank of the Chattahoochee River, which divides Georgia from Alabama. Columbus is located 108 miles (174 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta and 88 miles (142 kilometers) east of Montgomery, Alabama.

Columbus, which was created in 1828, is the county seat of Muscogee County, and is the neighbor of Fort Benning, the US Army Infantry Center. When residents want to get out, they can stroll the 15-mile (24-kilometer) Chattahoochee RiverWalk from the city's uptown to the museum at Fort Benning.

When the outdoors call, residents can head out to Callaway Gardens, a 13,000-acre (5,261-hectare) resort and gardens with trails, a beach, three golf courses, restaurants, and more (including more than 20,000 azaleas!). Another great place to explore is Oxbow Meadows, with nature trails allowing visitors to explore 1,600 acres (647 hectares) of hardwood wetland habitat. Kids will particularly like the 500-acre (202-hectare) Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari, 39 miles (63 kilometers) north of Columbus.

If state parks interest you, F.D. Roosevelt State Park is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast, and includes trails, picnicking and camping areas, and opportunities for fishing and boating. And Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," is located 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Columbus, while Florence Marina State Park, is situated about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south along the Chattahoochee to of 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George.

Those who enjoy spectator sports can take in home games of the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the Columbus Catfish of baseball's South Atlantic League.

History buffs can stroll around Columbus' Heritage Corner historic area, which includes the home reputed to be the birthplace of Coca-Cola. To spend a day in the past, head out to visit Westville, "Georgia's working 1850 town," located about 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Columbus. And for anyone with an interest in Civil War history, there are two particular places to see. The National Civil War Naval Museum is located in town, and Andersonville, or Camp Sumter, the largest of many Confederate military prisons established during the Civil War, is located only 59 miles east (95 kilometers) of the city.

Of course, those who love the arts won't feel left out in Columbus. The city is home to the Columbus Museum, and to performing arts venues that include the historic Springer Opera House, which was established in 1871, and presents year-round entertainment on two stages, and the modern, three-venue RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Enjoy symphony or theatrical performances, or see what visiting artists are in town.

History, outdoors, sports, and arts – just a few things waiting for you in Columbus.

See our 11 Jobs in Columbus, Georgia