History of Atlanta
From Railroad Roots to a Rising City
Atlanta’s origins trace back to the early 1800s on land once home to the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee nations. After their forced removal in the 1830s, settlers built a community around a railroad terminus approved in 1836. Known first as “Terminus,” then “Marthasville,” it was eventually renamed “Atlanta,” reflecting its rail links and connection to the Atlantic. Rooted in transportation and commerce, the city soon became a key Southern hub for trade and growth.
Rebuilding After the Flames: The Birth of the New South
During the Civil War, Atlanta’s railroads made it a key Confederate base and a major Union target. In 1864, General Sherman captured and burned the city, leaving it in ruins. Rising from the ashes, Atlanta rebuilt as a symbol of the “New South,” embracing industry and growth. By the early 1900s, it had become a bustling urban center, despite enduring racial tensions like the 1906 Atlanta Race Riot. Through resilience, Atlanta emerged as a city of progress and opportunity.
A Modern Metropolis with a Legacy of Change
By the mid-20th century, Atlanta became a Civil Rights Movement leader, home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Atlanta University Center. Its commitment to equality shaped its legacy as a city of progress and leadership. By the late 1900s, Atlanta’s economy expanded into transportation, media, and technology, and the 1996 Olympics showcased it globally. Today, known as “The City in a Forest,” Atlanta thrives as a diverse, innovative hub whose history embodies resilience and growth.