39 Facts About Atlanta

Atlanta's Rich History

Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a city steeped in history. From its role in the Civil War to its significance in the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta has many stories to tell.

1. Atlanta was originally named Terminus because it was the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad line.
2. The city was later renamed Marthasville after the then-governor's daughter, Martha Lumpkin.
3. In 1847, the city was renamed Atlanta, a shortened version of "Atlantica-Pacifica," symbolizing its growing importance as a transportation hub.
4. During the Civil War, Atlanta was a major supply route for the Confederate army.
5. General William T. Sherman famously burned Atlanta to the ground during his March to the Sea in 1864.
6. Atlanta was rebuilt quickly after the Civil War and became known as the "Phoenix City," symbolizing its rise from the ashes.

Cultural Significance

Atlanta has a vibrant cultural scene, from music and art to food and festivals. It’s a melting pot of traditions and modern influences.

7. Atlanta is home to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity.
8. The city hosts the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival, celebrating the blooming of dogwood trees.
9. Atlanta’s Fox Theatre is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, originally built as a movie palace in the 1920s.
10. The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor that has been transformed into a multi-use trail, connecting neighborhoods and parks.
11. Atlanta is known as the "City in a Forest" because of its abundance of trees.
12. The city has a thriving street art scene, with murals and installations found throughout its neighborhoods.

Civil Rights Movement

Atlanta played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a hub for activism and change.

13. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta in 1929.
14. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park includes his childhood home and the church where he preached.
15. Atlanta is home to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary human rights issues.
16. Morehouse College, an all-male historically black college in Atlanta, counts Dr. King among its alumni.
17. The Atlanta Student Movement was a key part of the Civil Rights Movement, with students from local colleges organizing sit-ins and protests.
18. Atlanta was one of the first major Southern cities to elect an African American mayor, Maynard Jackson, in 1973.

Sports and Entertainment

Atlanta is a sports and entertainment hub, with teams and events that draw fans from all over the world.

19. Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, bringing international attention to the city.
20. The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
21. Atlanta is home to the Atlanta Braves, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises.
22. The city’s NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons, play at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
23. Atlanta United FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team, has a passionate fan base and won the MLS Cup in 2018.
24. The Atlanta Hawks, the city’s NBA team, play at the State Farm Arena.

Education and Innovation

Atlanta is a center for education and innovation, with prestigious universities and a growing tech scene.

25. Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, is one of the top engineering schools in the country.
26. Emory University, also in Atlanta, is known for its medical and law schools.
27. Atlanta is home to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a leading public health institution.
28. The city has a growing tech industry, with many startups and established companies calling Atlanta home.
29. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for travel and commerce.
30. The Atlanta University Center Consortium is the largest contiguous consortium of African American higher education institutions in the United States.

Famous Residents

Many notable figures have called Atlanta home, contributing to its rich cultural and historical tapestry.

31. Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta by Dr. John S. Pemberton in 1886.
32. Tyler Perry, a renowned filmmaker and actor, has a massive studio complex in Atlanta.
33. Rapper and actor Ludacris hails from Atlanta and has been a prominent figure in the music industry.
34. Former President Jimmy Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, but has strong ties to Atlanta, where his presidential library is located.
35. Atlanta is the birthplace of the famous author Margaret Mitchell, who wrote "Gone with the Wind."
36. The city has produced many influential musicians, including OutKast, Usher, and T.I.

Modern-Day Atlanta

Today, Atlanta is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population and a thriving economy.

37. The city has a population of over 500,000 people, making it the largest city in Georgia.
38. Atlanta is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
39. The city’s skyline is constantly evolving, with new skyscrapers and developments transforming the urban landscape.

Atlanta's Unique Charm

Atlanta's rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant community make it a standout city. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its booming film industry, Atlanta has something for everyone. The city's green spaces, like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine, offer a breath of fresh air amidst urban life. Sports fans can cheer on the Braves, Falcons, or Hawks, while foodies can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. Atlanta's neighborhoods, each with its own personality, add to the city's unique charm. Whether you're visiting or planning to stay, Atlanta's blend of tradition and innovation will leave a lasting impression. So next time you're in the area, take a moment to explore and appreciate all that Atlanta has to offer.