Once called the Dogberry Wood Tree, the dogwoods are native to the eastern United States. The tree is used as ornamental shrubbery in gardens throughout the South.

George Walton was chosen to sign the Declaration of Independence as a representative of the Province of Georgia, and was later elected governor. He was also instrumental in the founding of the University of Georgia, the first state University in the United States.

In 1733 General James Oglethorpe lead the British settlers to the territory between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers. This territory was named Georgia in honor of England's King George II.

John Gresham built the house at 353 College Street in 1842. A founder of the Macon Manufacturing Company, forerunner of the present day Bibb Company, Gresham was also active in southern politics, serving as mayor of Macon, a state Senator, and Justice of the State's Supreme Court.

One of the driving forces behind the fight for Georgia's independence, Lyman hall was one of three Georgians chosen to sign the Declaration of Independence.

The city of Macon, named for statesman Nathaniel Macon, is situated on Georgia's fall line and was incorporated in 1823.

The Magnolia tree, with its large white blooms and vivid green leaves, has become synonymous with the gracious image of the Old South. The tree was named for 17th century French botanist Pierre Magnol.

Jesse Mercer served as President of the General Association of Georgia's Baptists, the driving force behind the establishment of the Mercer Institute. Mercer also served on the first Board of Trustees of the school originally located in Penfield, Georgia.

The Central of Georgia Railroad named a passenger train in the honor of one of the most famous racing horses ever, Nancy Hanks. The train made stops in Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah daily, with intermediate stops in rural towns in Georgia. The train was retired in 1979.

The Ocmulgee River served Macon as a means of transporting goods to the world's markets and as a means of smuggling food and supplies during the Civil War. The name Ocmulgee is from the Creek Indian words, "oc" (water), and "mulgee" (bubbling).

Wesleyan College was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. The college was founded in Macon in 1836 only a few hundred feet from the 1842 Inn.