Sunday, September 19, 2010

Columbus Riverwalk - Strolling through History on the Chattahoochee

What began as a sewer project as turned into one of the most remarkable heritage attractions in Georgia.

The Columbus Riverwalk winds along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, linking many of the city's historic sites, museums and points of interest. It grew from a visionary plan developed when the federal government required the city to do massive upgrades to its sewer systems. Engineers, planners and concerned citizens saw it as a chance to do something beautiful that could be enjoyed by city residents and visitors for years to come.

The original downtown stretch of the Riverwalk opened in 1992, but the project now extends for 22 miles, from Lake Oliver on the northern edge of the city all the way to the National Infantry Museum and Fort Benning to the south. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history of the city, the Battle of Columbus, the site where the ironclad C.S.S. Jackson was built and much more.

Among the major attractions that can be visited along the Riverwalk are Heritage Corner, Heritage Park, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the scene of the Battle of Columbus, the National Civil War Naval Museum, Oxbow Meadows Environmental Center and the stunning new facilities of the National Infantry Museum.

To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/gacolriverwalk.