Fort Hawkins is observing “Georgia Day” with a Sunday ceremony to mark the 1733 landing of James Oglethorpe with the first English colonists at the site of Savannah.

At 2 p.m., visitors to the fort site at the corner of Maynard Street and Emery Highway can hear readings from Oglethorpe’s diary of his 1739 trip to the future site of Macon, where he camped on his way to negotiate with the Creek Nation. A 1735 print by artist Mark Catesby, depicting the native bison mentioned by Oglethorpe, will be on display, said Marty Willett, Fort Hawkins Commission project coordinator.

Fort Hawkins was built in 1806, and Macon itself was founded 17 years later. A monument, now on fort grounds, was erected in the 1930s to commemorate Oglethorpe’s visit.

The commission is planning to make Georgia Day an annual observance. As part of that, it’s requesting any local historic-preservation groups or garden clubs to donate Cherokee roses the Georgia state flower to be planted on fort grounds.

For more information call 742-3003 or go to www.forthawkins.com.