Old Georgia State Capitol

Old Georgia State Capitol
wikipedia

Located in Milledgeville, Georgia, the historic structure known as the Old Georgia State Capitol currently serves as the main facility for Georgia Military College. Originally constructed to function as the seat of government for the State of Georgia, the building held this prestigious role from 1807 until 1868. Following its tenure as the state capitol, the edifice was repurposed and restored to house the college, which was established in 1879 under the original name Middle Georgia Military and Agricultural College. The building stands as a central feature of the institution's twenty-five-acre urban campus, anchoring a school system that has grown to include junior college, high school, middle school, and elementary divisions.

The architectural and historical significance of the site is profound, representing a key era in Georgia's political history before becoming a beacon for military education. Today, the college operates as a public military junior college that is state-chartered but independent from the standard University System of Georgia governance. It holds a unique distinction as one of only four military junior colleges participating in the U.S. Army's Early Commissioning Program, allowing graduates to receive officer commissions upon completing their two-year curriculum. The campus supports hundreds of resident ROTC cadets alongside a large population of commuter and online students, maintaining a tradition of leadership development through military-style exercises.

Currently, the restored capitol building and surrounding campus are in active use, fostering an environment dedicated to the motto "Character Above All." The institution has expanded significantly since the nineteenth century, now boasting thousands of students across its various programs and distance learning centers. While the physical structure preserves the legacy of Georgia's early government, its current condition reflects a vibrant, functioning educational hub. The site continues to bridge the gap between historical preservation and modern military training, serving as a vital component of the local community in Baldwin County while preparing young leaders for service in the armed forces and civilian life.

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Milledgeville, Georgia, state capitol building built from 1807 to 1837. It was the first public building built in the Gothic Revival style in the United States. Now a part of Georgia Military College, the Old Capital Museum is housed on the ground floor. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.