Liberty Plaza
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." — Thomas Jefferson
The vision for establishing a prominent public assembly area on Georgia's Capitol Hill dates back more than a century. This expansive three-acre plaza officially welcomed visitors on January 16, 2015, providing a gathering space capable of hosting more than 3,000 people. The location serves as a focal point for civic engagement and historical reflection.
The Liberty Bell Replica
In 1950, the United States Department of Treasury commissioned fifty-five authentic reproductions of the iconic Liberty Bell, distributing one to each state capitol. Among the inscriptions on the bell is the powerful message: "Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land." This remarkable piece was originally cast by the renowned Paccard Fonderie des Cloches in France, and later underwent restoration work by the Christoph Paccard Bell Foundry located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Statue of Liberty Replica
The Boy Scouts of America contributed an 8½-foot-tall reproduction of Lady Liberty in 1951, commemorating the organization's 40th anniversary celebration. This contribution aligned with the 1950 theme, "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty," reflecting the nation's commitment to democratic values during the post-war era.
Pete Wheeler Georgia War Veterans Memorial
Located directly north of Liberty Plaza, positioned in front of the Twin Towers at the State Capitol Complex (also known as the "Sloppy Floyd Buildings"), stands the Pete Wheeler Georgia War Veterans Memorial Plaza. This unique complex, the only memorial of its kind throughout America, commemorates Georgia's military service members across multiple conflicts.
Memorial Components:
- Vietnam War Statues (dedicated November 11, 1988)
- Persian Gulf War Memorial (dedicated March 10, 1993)
- Korean War Memorial (dedicated November 11, 1993)
- World War II Memorial (dedicated December 7, 1995)
- Vietnam Wall (dedicated October 30, 1997)
- World War I Memorial (dedicated April 6, 1998)
The memorial plaza honors more than 11,000 Georgians who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in America's armed forces, defending freedom across the globe throughout the 20th century. Their names are etched into the memorial as a permanent tribute to their courage and dedication.
Notable Features
- Replica of the Liberty Bell
- Flags representing the 13 original British colonies
- Replica of the Statue of Liberty
- Pete Wheeler Georgia War Memorial Plaza
- Declaration of Independence commemorative plaque
- Preamble to the Constitution plaque
- The Star-Spangled Banner text display
- Pledge of Allegiance inscription
Additional Resources
- Comprehensive History of Liberty Plaza (PDF Document)
- Pete Wheeler Georgia War Veterans Plaza Official Resolution (PDF Document)
- Complete Photo Collection
Visitor Information
Directions & Transportation
- View location on the Heritage Trail Interactive Map
- Navigate with Google Maps directions
- Conveniently located two blocks from the Georgia State MARTA station
- Note: On-site parking is extremely limited