Located in Clarke County, Georgia, Athens was established in 1801. R.E.M., the B-52's, and Widespread Panic all emerged from the Athens music scene. UGA was the first state-chartered university in America (1785).
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Founded1801|Population128,000|Peak128,000(2024)|CountyClarke County
Top 10 Most Important Events for Athens, Georgia
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1785UGA Chartered: First state-chartered university in America.
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1801Town Founded for University: Athens created to host University of Georgia.
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1860Cotton Economy Peak: Plantation wealth built on slavery.
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1980Music Scene Explodes: R.E.M. and B-52's launch Athens as indie music capital.
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1991Athens-Clarke County Merged: City-county consolidation.
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2022Bulldogs Win National Title: UGA football wins national championship.
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Complete Historical Timeline
1785Culture
UGA Chartered
1801Culture
Town Founded for University
1860Business
Cotton Economy Peak
1980Culture
Music Scene Explodes
1991Government
Athens-Clarke County Merged
2022Sports
Bulldogs Win National Title
Did You Know?
1
R.E.M., the B-52's, and Widespread Panic all emerged from the Athens music scene.
2
UGA was the first state-chartered university in America (1785).
3
The 40 Watt Club in Athens is one of the most legendary music venues in the U.S.
4
Athens is located in Clarke County, Georgia.
5
Athens was founded in 1801.
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