1. In 1776, Georgia became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, paving the way for other colonies to follow suit.

2. On July 11, 1861, the first major battle of the Civil War in Georgia, the Battle of Rich Mountain, was fought. This battle was a Union victory and helped secure control of western Virginia.

3. In 1913, The Georgia State Capitol building was dedicated by Governor John M. Slaton. The building's design includes a gold leaf-covered dome that stands 272 feet tall.

4. On July 11, 1960, Atlanta's first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson, was sworn into office. Jackson served as mayor from 1974-1982 and again from 1990-1994.

5. In 1982, Hank Aaron, a former player for the Atlanta Braves, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Known as "Hammerin' Hank," Aaron set the record for all-time home runs with 755 in his career.