BURKE COUNTY

County Offices
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro 706-554-2324
https://burkecounty-ga.gov

Chamber of Commerce
241 East 6th Street
Waynesboro 706-554-5451
https://burkechamber.org

Anchored by the county seat of Waynesboro, Burke County offers a rural lifestyle within the Augusta-Richmond Metropolitan region. The county preserves one of Georgia’s most productive agricultural centers, with nearly half of its total area devoted to farming and timber industries. The presence of Vogtle Electric Generating Plan has bolstered the local economy, and new development is on the rise. U.S. Route 25 serves as the major transportation artery, supported by a strong network of state routes. Commercial air travel is available in Augusta at Augusta Regional Airport.

Services
Newcomers will be pleased to discover that Burke County maintains one of the finest school districts in Georgia, including an elementary school magnet program. Thanks to the tremendous economic impact of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, the county has been able to invest millions of local dollars into education without burdening taxpayers. The result is a public school system with state-of-the-art facilities that boast the finest in technological, laboratory, and athletic resources. Two private schools are available within the county for those who prefer an alternative educational environment. Opportunities for higher education start locally at the Waynesboro auxiliary campus for Augusta Technical College—an institution that consistently garners accolades and awards. A major university and several colleges, both public and private, are available within a 45-minute drive from home in Augusta. Options include Augusta University, a collaborative program with East Georgia State College, Paine College, Georgia Military College, Brenau University, Virginia College, and Miller-Motte Technical College. Georgia Southern University is approximately an hour’s drive to the south.

Access to quality healthcare is no less impressive, beginning in Waynesboro with Burke Medical Center. This 40-bed acute-care community hospital provides a full-service, 24-hour emergency room along with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Some of the finest healthcare resources and services in the entire nation are located in the Augusta-Richmond metro area, including the world-class network of Augusta University Health, encompassing Augusta University Medical Center at Augusta University and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The number of staff physicians on “America’s Top Doctors” list has kept Augusta University Health in the top one percent nationally for the past 15 years. The 581-bed teaching facility of University Hospital anchors the University Health Care System in Augusta, one of Georgia’s most respected, comprehensive, and largest healthcare providers. Doctors Hospital adds yet another leading institution with a number of outstanding specialty centers including the Joseph M. Still Burn Center—the largest inpatient burn center in America.

Lifestyle
Residents of scenic Burke County enjoy a rare blend of country living and easy access to first-rate amenities and attractions. The Augusta-Richmond region is widely known as a recreational paradise, crowned by outstanding natural assets like Clarks Hill Lake as well as the global attraction of Augusta National Golf Club, home to the Masters Golf Tournament. Situated along the border between Georgia and South Carolina, the 71,000-acre expanse of Clarks Hill Lake is surrounded by lush parks with developed facilities for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and cabin rentals against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Burke County is justly proud of its own famous attraction—hosting some of the world’s largest field trails for bird dogs. One of the county’s oldest traditions, this pastime has earned Waynesboro the title of Bird Dog Capital of the World, bragging rights that cover the city water tower and local memorabilia. Since 1903, enthusiasts have been flocking to Burke County with their finest setters and pointers to participate in countywide competitions and derby championships. Many others arrive each year for outstanding dove, deer, and turkey hunting on thousands of acres in four vast wildlife management areas.

Georgia’s second largest city is just a short commute from Burke County, home to venues from intimate to grand that host performances for symphony, ballet and dance, musical concerts, and theatre. Other attractions in Augusta include Morris Museum of Art, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Artists Row, Augusta Museum of History, National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, George Golf Hall of Fame, Augusta Canal, Savannah Rapids Park, Augusta Riverwalk, and nationally recognized events. Within Burke County, the calendar is dotted with colorful events from the unique attraction of Georgia Field Trials to A Taste of Burke County, Boss Hog State Barbecue Cook-Off, Burke Farm Fest, Bird Dog Breakaway Marathon, Burke County Fair, and the holiday magic of Christmas on Liberty Square with a parade and tour of homes. Few places can compare with Burke County for simple rural pleasures and a strong community spirit.

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Waynesboro

City Offices
706-554-2324
https://burkecounty-ga.gov

Chamber of Commerce
706-554-5451
https://burkechamber.org

Waynesboro serves as the seat of county government and a hub of commerce, education, healthcare, and services for Burke County residents. Known as the Bird Dog Capital of the World, this quaint city blends antebellum homes with Victorian cottages and modern construction to offer a truly appealing and unique hometown setting. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the charm of the historic downtown district with its medley of shops, restaurants, and antique dealers. Local recreational facilities are available in City Park and Davis Park, while Greenway Trail offers a four-mile exercise loop for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and skateboarders. Highlights in Waynesboro include Burke Medical Center, offering a continuum of care and comprehensive services rarely found in a community hospital. The city is also home to a campus for Augusta Technical College, consistently distinguished for quality programs.