Imagine: It’s the year 1850 and you’re aboard a cargo vessel gliding up the Augusta Canal. As you travel along, listening to the paddles dip in and out of the water, you take note of the wildlife thriving along the shoreline. Soon the Confederate Powder Works building comes into view along with clusters of textile mills. Your journey is almost complete.

Today, if you were to take a tour via one of the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center’s replica Petersburg boats, you’d find that, while a portion of the landscape has changed, some of it is very similar. In other words, Augusta’s rich history still plays a prominent role in defining the city’s character, as many historic sites have been preserved and opened to the public. From the waters of the Augusta Canal to the front door of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, you’ll discover a range of opportunities to delve into Augusta’s inspiring past.

Founded in 1736 by Gen. James Oglethorpe, Augusta made a name for itself in the fur trading and cotton industries. As the city became the second largest inland cotton trading market in the world, many notable Augustans were making their future-altering contributions to our young, developing nation. We are proud to claim a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and a president of the United States. History buffs can learn more about each of these fascinating men thanks to downtown Augusta’s unique selection of historical sites. A pre-1791 farmhouse near the intersection of 13th Street and Walton Way, Meadow Garden was the home of George Walton, youngest original signer of the Declaration of Independence and twice Georgia governor. Here you’re sure to experience first hand a little of the past in what’s described as the oldest documented house in Augusta and first historic preservation project in the state.

You can enjoy an equally impressive trip to the past at the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, who lived in this house from ages 3 to 13, longer than any other period in his life. Conveniently located next door to the Wilson home is the boyhood home of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Rucker Lamar, who could be found playing baseball in Augusta’s fields with his playmate and best friend, Woodrow Wilson. Ironically, Lamar served in the Supreme Court during Wilson’s presidency.

Two other historic homes of interest include the Ezekiel Harris House, built by prominent tobacco merchant, Ezekiel Harris, and the Lucy Craft Laney house, which has been restored as a museum dedicated to black history. Born into slavery, Laney educated thousands of black students and founded Augusta’s first black kindergarten and nursing program.

Speaking of history museums, you’ll want to allot some time for the Augusta Museum of History, a rich vault of intriguing exhibits, hands-on activities and adult programs such as the monthly Brown Bag History Lecture series. And sometime between now and 2011, check out The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown exhibit, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive display highlighting this international icon’s personal artifacts and contributions to society that extended beyond the music world.

Another historical point of interest just down the street from the Augusta Museum of History is the Cotton Exchange Museum. Serving as the downtown branch of Georgia Bank and Trust, the museum features a 45-foot long blackboard with chalk-written prices and commodity information from the 1900s when Augusta was a bustling cotton market.

If you’re up for a short trip outside of downtown Augusta’s core, consider a visit to the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, birthplace of beloved comedian, Oliver Hardy. Harlem not only boasts a museum chockful of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia, but this charming little town is also the proud host of the annual Oliver Hardy Festival each fall. Now in its 20th year, the event attracts fans from all over the country.