If you’ve ever seen a Georgia license plate, grabbed a peach at an Atlanta farmers market, or cheered at a Braves game, you’ve probably noticed one thing: peaches are everywhere.
Roadside stands, gift shops, and even the state’s official nickname proudly proclaim Georgia as “The Peach State.” But here’s the surprising part: Georgia isn’t even the top peach-producing state in the U.S. anymore. So how did this fruity nickname stick?
It Started in the 1800s – And It Wasn’t an Accident
The peach love affair began in the mid-19th century. After the Civil War and the devastating boll weevil infestation that crippled cotton crops, Georgia farmers needed a new cash crop.
Enter the peach. The Middle Georgia region around Fort Valley and Macon turned out to have nearly perfect conditions: sandy loam soil, moderate winters, and just enough chill hours for peach trees to thrive…