The city of Americus--seat of Sumter County, Georgia--has a rich past
that stretches back hundreds of years. The people and events that shaped
Americus are unique and compelling, and the history of the area shares
many parallels with the larger history of the South.
From the pioneer era in southern Georgia to the present day, the
triumphs and toils of Sumter County are often mirrored in the story of
the South.
Like many Southern communities, Americus features a fascinating
heritage, the details of which can surprise even longtime residents. The
area's history overflows with an intriguing cast of characters whose
exploits have helped to enrich the colorful story of Americus. This
portion of southern Georgia has also played host to more than its fair
share of famous personalities, from C.S.A. President Jefferson Davis at
the end of the Civil War to Yasser Arafat, who visited President Jimmy
Carter at Sumter County home.
Remembering Americus, Georgia: Essays on Southern Life, by local
resident and historian Alan Anderson, is a delightful compilation of
historical vignettes drawn from Anderson's work for the Times-Recorder
newspaper in Americus. Anderson's insightful and entertaining writings
offer a glimpse into the history of Americus and Sumter County, and
reveal how the area's past is reflected in the history of the South.