Georgia (GA) Nickname: Empire State of the South, Peach State Capital: Atlanta Motto: Wisdom, justice and moderation. Flower: Cherokee rose Bird: Brown Thrasher Tree: Live oak Song: Georgia On My Mind Entered Union: January 2, 1788 Rank: 4 The 50 State Quarters Program Release Date: July 19, 1999 Official Website of Georgia Famous people from Georgia U.S. President James Earl Carter Martin Luther King, Jr. Ray Charles Amy Grant Little Richard Jerry Reed Travis Tritt Joanne Woodward Hulk Hogan James Bowie Gladys Knight Otis Redding Ray Stevens Clarence Thomas Thisha Yearwood