Discover Georgia’s legacy of inspiring wartime stories at the sites that make up the World War II Heritage Trail

Southern states were critical to the war effort during World War II (1941-1945), and none more so than Georgia. Over 300,000 Georgians served in the military, and thousands of civilians worked in rapidly expanding defense industries. Ten sites across the state have partnered to bring a new experience to visitors, families, and groups.

Heritage Trail visitors can take flight in a World War II airplane, build a Liberty ship, explore a pilot training base, march in the boots of the Band of Brothers, and learn the personal stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women involved.

A Trail “passport” has been created so visitors can track their progress along the route, debrief their visit, and receive a confirmation stamp with the “V for Victory!”

As the United States mobilized for war abroad, federal defense dollars flooded the South in the form of military installations and defense contracts. At bases throughout Georgia, servicemen and women were trained in many forms of warfare, to include Infantry, Parachute, Glider, and Armored forces. Innovative tactics and technologies were at the center of much of Georgia’s war effort. As military leaders grasped the importance of new strategies, the training of pilots, paratroopers, and radar operators became a top priority. Once abroad, servicemen from Georgia experienced all the harsh realities of war – from home sickness and combat to capture by the enemy.

Additionally, Georgia threw its industrial might behind the war effort. Citizens on the Home Front actively supported the war by doing everything from buying war bonds to working in the two Liberty shipyards located in the state. Job opportunities opened up for women, African Americans and other groups as industries mobilized, requiring tens of thousands of workers.

Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Website