Looking at a map of Georgia, Waycross, this little town sits in the southeast quadrant of the Peach State. It’s just 59 miles from Brunswick, near the east coast and 174 miles from Cedar Springs, which is practically on the state line between Georgia and Alabama. From St. Mary’s, situated on the Florida state line, it’s just 62 miles, but it’s only 35 miles from Folkston, Georgia, which is a stone’s throw from the Florida state line a little farther west. Waycross is only 77 miles from Jacksonville, Florida and 236 miles from Atlanta.
Depending on where you’re coming from, it could “way across Georgia.”
But let’s talk about our trip to Waycross.
Tootling in a Little Town in Georgia
In August 2021, Theresa and I found ourselves rolling around Georgia in our Chevy van, living la vida vanlife. We stumbled upon this little town called Waycross, walked into the visitor’s center, and asked for a walking tour.
Built in the early 19th century, this little town has class and an old town spirit. It goes its name from the several railroad crossings that went through town when during its infancy.
One little tidbit about Waycross that we learned was that it was the first town in Georgia, early in the 19th century, that allowed women to hold public office. Several prominent women in the area were landowners and wanted a say in how their property would be taxed. Women wouldn’t gain the right to vote in Georgia until the 20th century.
In some ways, Waycross reminds me of Corsicana, Texas. It reminds Theresa of York, Pennsylvania.
Waycross is a quaint little town that is home to some beautiful houses and beautiful churches. The architecture is dated, but the structures built in the 19th century had a lot of character.
The town isn’t that big and we walked it in a couple of hours. Follow us as we see the history of Waycross, visit some of its memorials, and gawk at the beautiful homes and churches along the way. Stick around to the end and you’ll hear my thoughts on the fading newspaper industry.
