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Waynesboro and surrounding Areas
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LOCATION
Waynesboro is located in East Central Georgia about 25 miles south of Augusta and 100 miles north of Savannah. The Savannah River borders the county to the east. Waynesboro/Burke County is part of a 13-county region located on or near the Savannah River known as the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). The City covers approximately 5.6 sq. miles with an elevation of 295 ft.
Waynesboro is approximately 22 miles from the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant which is located in eastern Burke County along the Savannah River. Plant Vogtle is currently planning to construct two additional units making it the first new nuclear project to break ground in the United States in three decades. Preconstruction began in 2009 which included clearing, excavation and backfilling. The majority of construction is slated to begin in 2011 with completion by 2017.
HISTORY
The City of Waynesboro, Georgia is the county seat of Burke County, which is one of the eight original counties in Georgia. It was named after General Anthony Wayne whose daring efforts during the Revolutionary War earned him the nickname of "Mad Anthony Wayne." On July 31, 1783, authorized by an act of the Georgia General Assembly, Waynesboro was laid out in a series of one-acre lots.
Waynesboro, as well as much of Georgia, played a significant role during the Cival War. After General Sherman captured Atlanta on November 15, 1864, he began his infamous "March to the Sea" heading towards Savannah. The Battle of Waynesboro was fought on December 4, 1864, towards the end of that march. Union calvary forces under Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick defeated Confederate cavalry led by Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, opening the way for William T. Sherman's armies to capture the port of Savannah which they did on December 21, 1864.
The City was officially incorporated in 1883 as the City of Waynesborough. The Georgia Field Trials began here in Burke County in 1901 and continue to the present making Waynesboro "The Bird Dog Capital of the World." Today, due to a rich agricultural base and a growing industrial community, the future of Waynesboro is one filled with promise and anticipation.
POPULATION
According to the 2000 Census, population was 5,813. read more
CLIMATE
July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 91 degrees with January being the coolest with an average temperature of 34 degrees. Winters are normally cool and mild with snow being a rare occurrence.
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City of Waynesboro
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TRANSPORTATION
Roads
The Savannah River Parkway, linking Augusta and Savannah, follows US Hwy. 25 through Waynesboro while US Hwy. 56 passes through Waynesboro as it travels southwest towards Swainsboro and Interstate 16. Due to the intersection of Hwy. 25 and 56 in downtown Waynesboro and the accessibility of Interstate 20 and Interstate 16, Waynesboro is within easy driving distance of Augusta, Savannah, Atlanta and Columbia, S.C.
Air
Bush Field, located in South Augusta, is a 25 minute drive from Waynesboro and is serviced by Delta, American and US Airways Express. Just south of town, the Burke County Airport has a lighted runway and can accommodate private aircraft including small jets.
Rail
Rail service is provided by Norfolk Southern to Waynesboro. Norfolk and CSX piggyback service is available in Savannah.
Freight
Freight service is provided by interstate and inter/intrastate motor carriers.
