home: exhibits: north_america: usa: georgia: before columbus: georgia_indian_agriculture:   EXHIBITS Ancient Architects of Georgia Monumental constructions have been being built in Georgia for over 4,000 years. Learn more about the accomplishments of Georgia's ancient architects. Public Indian Sites of Georgia This is a comprehensive guide to all of the public archaeological sites and museums devoted to preserving  Native American heritage in Georgia. Public Indian Events of Georgia This is a comprehensive guide to all of the Native American festivals, PowWows, and other events in Georgia. Ancient Artisans of Georgia Geogia's indigenous artisans have created some of the most beautiful artistic works in all of North America. Georgia Before Oglethorpe The state of Georgia's little-known first two centuries after first European contact. Ancient Agriculture of Georgia   Georgia's Native American Indians created one of the most advanced agricultural systems in the world. In fact, almost everything Southerners consider "southern food" is, in fact, Native American. Still today one can see thousands of acres of corn being grown throughout the state just as has been done for over a thousand years. From this corn Natives created a variety of food products including grits and corn meal. Beans, squash, pumpkins and other vegetables were all first grown by Native Americans and then later adopted by European immigrants. Native Americans also helped maintain wild plants for their dietary needs. Grapes and other fruit bearing plants were carefully protected and maintained. They even brewed a tea from the leaves of the only plant in the south with a high concentration of caffeine. Thus a typical "southern" meal of corn-meal battered catfish with a side of grits, corn on the cob and a glass of tea to wash it all down has been a southern tradition for a thousand years.    This exhibit is currently in the research phase. If you would like to help us make this interactive exhibit a reality, please consider making a donation or volunteer to help us research this important topic.