Toccoa, a small town in northeast Georgia, is believed to be the birthplace of Lucius Rucker, the man later known as Charlie Fitzgerald.
While little is confirmed about his early years, some records—including his death certificate—point to Toccoa as his origin.
If true, it was from this rural Southern town that Charlie began a journey that would lead him to challenge racial barriers and become a nightlife icon in Myrtle Beach.
In the early 20th century, Toccoa was a modest but growing industrial and railroad town. Known today as the site of Camp Toccoa, where WWII paratroopers trained (as depicted in Band of Brothers), it has a deep history in Southern military and civil life.
The city still retains its small-town charm, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and is recognized for its scenic beauty and historical sites like Toccoa Falls.
Charlie's Place is a podcast series co-produced by Atlas Obscura and Rococo Punch in partnership with Pushkin Industries and Visit Myrtle Beach. Hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, the show uncovers the hidden history of a legendary Black nightclub in Jim Crow-era South Carolina—and the people who made it a symbol of culture, resistance, and community. Starting July 21st, binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
