Macon, Georgia

Macon ( MAY-kən), officially Macon–Bibb County, is a consolidated city-county in Georgia, United States. Situated near the fall line of the Ocmulgee River in Central Georgia, it is 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Atlanta and 165 miles (266 km) northwest of Savannah. Macon's population was 157,346 in the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Macon metropolitan area, which had 234,802 people in 2020. Macon was settled in the early 19th century. Voters approved the consolidation of the city of Macon and Bibb County governments in a 2012 referendum. Macon became the state's fourth-largest city (after Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta) when the merger became official on January 1, 2014. Macon has several notable cultural sites, including Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, the Tubman Museum, and Hay House, and is known for the International Cherry Blossom Festival. The city is also known for its deep musical heritage and vibrant festivals that celebrate its Southern and African American roots. Higher education plays a major role through Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Wesleyan College. Macon is served by I-16 (connecting to Savannah and Coastal Georgia), I-75 (connecting to Atlanta to the north and Valdosta to the south), and I-475. The area has two small general-aviation airports, Middle Georgia Regional Airport and Macon Downtown Airport.