1. In 1864, during the American Civil War, General William T. Sherman's Union forces began their infamous march across Georgia after capturing Atlanta the previous year. The march, which lasted until December, resulted in the destruction of farms, towns, and railroads throughout the state.

2. On July 7, 1899, the Georgia State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now known as the University of Georgia) awarded its first bachelors' degrees to four graduates. Today, UGA is one of the largest public universities in the United States, with over 39,000 students enrolled.

3. In 1945, Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall signed legislation creating the Georgia Department of Transportation. The department oversees the state's roadways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, and is responsible for maintaining over 80,000 miles of roads and highways.

4. On July 7, 1958, the Atlanta Braves played their first game at Milwaukee County Stadium after relocating from Boston. The team would remain in Milwaukee until 1966, when they moved to Atlanta.

5. In 1982, Barbara Harris became the first African American woman to be elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Harris, who served for 14 years in the legislature, later founded the homeless shelter organization The Peoplestown Project in Atlanta.