30c - locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of Georgia including Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands
Fall Line
The Fall line had many factors that changed the exploration of Georgia. It also made explorers stop there and make settlements because they couldn't get around. It also caused explorers having to figure out ways to move around it. The fall line also marks where the Piedmont and the Coastal Plane meet.
Okefenokee Swamp
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest swamp in North America. It covers around 700 square miles. The swamp is located in the southeast corner of Georgia. It covers parts of 4 counties, most of Charlton and Ware counties and parts of Brantley and Clinch counties are covered.
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains stretch all the way from New York to Georgia. The mountains play an important role in Georgia's precipitation and climate. The mountains proved to be a huge obstacle for early settlers trying to go west/north or just settling in Georgia. Most of the settlers were smart and used the natural gaps in the mountains, marked by the rivers that flows through them. The gaps in the mountains provided great soil for farming and trade routes.
Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River rises in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and flows toward Alabama state line. Research states that people used to live on the shores of the river. At least 16 villages are located along the river. As these villages died out from European disease, the survivors started to gather near present day Atlanta. These people soon to be known as the Creeks.
Savannah River
The Savannah river is one of Georgia's longest rivers and runs along most of the boundary between South Carolina and Georgia. The river's origin starts at Seneca and Tugaloo rivers in Hart County in eastern Georgia. Scientists believe that the Paleo Indians first went to the Savannah river near the end of the Ice Age.
Barrier Islands
The Coastal Plain contains several islands that protect the beaches of Georgia from erosion. The islands are mostly sand dunes and salt marshes. There aren't very many prehistoric human evidence on the islands.