Hernando De Soto
The first European to explore the interior of what is now the state of Georgia was Hernando de Soto. In fact, De Soto entered the state on two occasions during the course of his expedition. Three historical markers commemorate Hernando de Soto in Georgia: at the Carters Lake visitors' center near Ellijay, along the Riverwalk in Augusta, and at the tourism office in Milledgeville.