Georgia is full of quirks and surprises that even longtime residents might not notice until they’re pointed out. Here are eight of the strangest, most unexpected aspects of life in the Peach State:
1. The Law Forbids Donkeys in Bathtubs
It’s illegal to keep a donkey in a bathtub in Georgia. This bizarre law reportedly dates back to a 1920s incident where a donkey was washed away during a flood, causing chaos for rescuers.
2. The State Once Had Three Governors—At the Same Time
In 1946, Georgia experienced a political crisis so wild that three people claimed to be governor at once. The legal battle and confusion made national headlines and is still referenced as one of the strangest moments in state politics.
3. Okefenokee: The Largest Swamp in North America
South Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp spans over 400,000 acres, making it the largest blackwater swamp in North America. It’s home to alligators, snakes, and more than 350 species of birds, and its name means “trembling earth”.
4. You Might Share the Road with Chicken Trucks—and Catch a Whiff of Fertilizer
It’s not uncommon to find yourself stuck behind a truck loaded with live chickens or to catch the unmistakable scent of fertilizer wafting through the air, especially in rural areas.
5. There Are More Counties Than Any Other State East of the Mississippi
Georgia has 159 counties—more than any other state east of the Mississippi River. This means lots of local governments, quirky county lines, and sometimes confusing jurisdictional rules.
6. The World’s Busiest Airport Is in Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport consistently ranks as the world’s busiest airport, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international travel. If you live in Georgia, you’ll likely pass through it at some point.
7. Some Seriously Weird Laws Still Exist
Beyond the donkey-in-the-bathtub rule, Georgia has other odd laws: in Acworth, it’s mandatory to own a rake, and in Gainesville, you’re legally required to eat fried chicken with your hands—no forks allowed.
8. The State Is Home to “Hogzilla”
The largest wild hog ever discovered, nicknamed “Hogzilla,” was found and killed in Alapaha, Georgia. It weighed around 1,000 pounds and measured 12 feet long, sparking both fascination and urban legend status.
Georgia’s quirks make it a state full of surprises—some that will make you laugh, others that will leave you scratching your head.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpyKcOELX8Y
- https://alicesadventuresonearth.com/14-fun-facts-about-georgia/
- https://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/funfacts
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE_IZ_oM14e/