Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is also the county seat of Fulton County and extends into neighboring DeKalb County. With a population of over 500,000 people, Atlanta is one of the biggest cities in the southeastern United States and the 36th-most populous city in the country.

Originally founded as the end point of a major railroad, Atlanta grew quickly because of its important transportation links. During the American Civil War, it played a key role and was nearly destroyed, but the city recovered and became a center for industry and technology.

In the middle of the last century, Atlanta was important for the American civil rights movement, led by famous figures like Martin Luther King Jr.. Today, Atlanta is known for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, and for hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics. The city continues to grow, with a strong economy and many opportunities in different industries.

History

Main article: History of Atlanta

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Atlanta.

Native American settlements

For thousands of years before European settlers arrived in North Georgia, the Creek people and Cherokee people lived in the area. Standing Peachtree, a Creek village near Peachtree Creek and the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Native American settlement to where Atlanta now stands. In the early 1800s, European Americans pushed the Creek people out of northern Georgia. By 1825, the Creek were forced to leave, and European settlers arrived soon after.

Western and Atlantic Railroad

In 1836, Georgia decided to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad to connect the port of Savannah with the Midwest. The railroad’s endpoint was chosen near what is now Five Points. The area grew from a small settlement called Terminus to Thrasherville, and later to Marthasville. It was finally named Atlanta in 1847, after a suggestion by a railroad engineer, and became an official town that same year.

American Civil War

Marietta Street, 1864

By 1860, Atlanta had about 9,554 people. During the American Civil War, Atlanta became important because many railroads crossed there. In 1864, Union soldiers moved into the area and eventually surrounded Atlanta. After the city’s leader decided to leave, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman ordered the city’s people to leave and prepared to burn parts of the city.

Reconstruction and late 19th century

After the Civil War, Atlanta began to rebuild. The state capital moved there in 1868. In the 1880s, a newspaper editor named Henry W. Grady helped attract new businesses and investors. Schools and universities grew, and in 1895, Atlanta held a big international event that drew almost 800,000 visitors.

20th century

In 1907, Peachtree Street, the main street of Atlanta, was busy with streetcars and automobiles.

In the early 1900s, Atlanta grew quickly. New tall buildings went up, and more people moved in. The city became a center for African-American business and culture. However, there were also difficult times, including racial tensions and fires that damaged parts of the city.

Atlanta hosted a famous movie premiere in 1939 and helped the United States during World War II by building factories and research centers. New highways allowed people to live farther from the city, changing its makeup.

Civil rights movement

After World War II, many African Americans pushed for equal rights. Atlanta became a key place for leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.. Schools, buses, and other places slowly began to integrate, though change was slow and met with resistance.

The grave of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King is within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta proper.

1996 Summer Olympic games

Atlanta was chosen to host the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The city built new parks and improved transportation. Even though there were some problems during the games, they marked a big moment for Atlanta and brought many visitors and money to the city.

21st century

In the 2000s, Atlanta changed a lot. New people moved in, and the city’s population became more diverse. Big projects like the Beltline turned old railroad tracks into parks and trails. Cultural spots such as museums and theaters grew, making Atlanta a lively place to live and visit.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Atlanta

Atlanta covers an area of 134 square miles, with most of it being land. The city sits among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Deep South of the southeastern United States. It is at an elevation of 1,050 feet above sea level, making it the highest major city east of the Mississippi River. Atlanta is divided into 242 neighborhoods, including three main areas: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. Surrounding these areas are many neighborhoods with single-family homes, some of which are historic.

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city receives plenty of rain throughout the year, though snowfall is rare and usually light.

Climate data for Atlanta
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily daylight hours	10.2	11.0	12.0	13.1	13.9	14.4	14.1	13.4	12.4	11.3	10.4	9.9	12.175
Average Ultraviolet index	3	5	6	8	10	11	11	10	8	6	4	3	6.8
Source: Weather Atlas

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Atlanta

The 2020 United States census reported that Atlanta had a population of 498,715. The population density was 3,685.45 persons per square mile. The racial and ethnic makeup of Atlanta was 51.0% Black or African American, 40.9% non-Hispanic white, 4.2% Asian, and 0.3% Native American. Hispanics and Latinos made up 6.0% of the city's population. The median income for a household in the city was $77,655 in 2022, with approximately 17.7% of the population living below the poverty line.

Atlanta has been recognized as a hub of African American culture and activism. In recent years, the city has seen growth in its non-Hispanic White and Hispanic populations. Atlanta also has a diverse Asian American community and has become more international with immigrants from many countries.

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	2,572	—
1860	9,554	271.5%
1870	21,789	128.1%
1880	37,409	71.7%
1890	65,533	75.2%
1900	89,872	37.1%
1910	154,839	72.3%
1920	200,616	29.6%
1930	270,366	34.8%
1940	302,288	11.8%
1950	331,314	9.6%
1960	487,455	47.1%
1970	495,039	1.6%
1980	425,022	−14.1%
1990	394,017	−7.3%
2000	416,474	5.7%
2010	420,003	0.8%
2020	498,715	18.7%
2024 (est.)	520,070	4.3%
U.S. Decennial Census 1850–1870 1870–1880 1890–1910 1920–1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2024 estimate:

Racial-ethnic composition	2020	2010	2000	1990	1980	1970	1940
Black or African American	46.7%	54.0%	61.4%	67.1%	66.6%	54.3%	39.6%
White (Non-Hispanic)	38.5%	38.4%	33.2%	30.3%	31.9%	39.4%	65.4%
Asian	4.5%	3.9%	0.9%	1.9%	0.5%	0.9%	0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)	6.0%	5.2%	4.5%	1.9%	1.4%	1.2%	n/a

Economy

Main article: Economy of Atlanta

Atlanta has a very strong economy. The Atlanta area has a large amount of money made from jobs and businesses, ranking as the 8th-largest in the country. Many big companies have offices or headquarters in Atlanta, including The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, and Delta Air Lines.

The city is also important for travel, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport being the busiest airport in the world. Many jobs come from technology, film, and television production, making Atlanta a busy and growing place to live and work.

Arts and culture

Atlanta has become a colorful mix of cultures, drawing people from many parts of the United States and welcoming many immigrants. This mix is seen in the arts district of Midtown, the unique neighborhoods on the city's eastside, and the many different ethnic areas along Buford Highway.

Arts and theater

Main article: Arts in Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the few cities in the United States that has permanent, professional companies for opera, ballet, orchestral music, and theater. The city has many theaters and concert halls, with the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown Atlanta being a key spot. It is home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre. Atlanta also enjoys many Broadway shows, concerts, and exhibitions. Famous museums include the High Museum of Art, the Museum of Design Atlanta, and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center.

Music

Atlanta's symphony orchestra has had many famous music directors and performs concerts with well-known musicians. The city has been important for many types of music, from country and Southern rock to punk rock and hip hop. Artists like Travis Tritt, TLC, Usher, and Outkast all come from Atlanta. The city has many music venues and supports local musicians with tax credits for music investments.

Film and television

Main article: Economy of Atlanta § Film and television

Atlanta is a major center for making movies and TV shows. It has large studios like Tyler Perry Studios and often stands in for other places in famous films. Many popular TV shows are set in Atlanta, including Ozark, The Walking Dead, and Stranger Things. The city also hosts many film and TV-related events.

TV shows

Main article: List of television shows set in Atlanta

The city has been the setting for many TV shows, such as Ozark, Watchmen, The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, Love Is Blind, Star, and Atlanta, along with many animated and reality shows.

Festivals

Main article: Festivals in Atlanta

Atlanta holds many festivals throughout the year, more than any other city in the southeastern United States. Popular festivals include the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival, Dragon Con, Peachtree Road Race, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Film Festival.

Tourism

Main articles: Tourism in Atlanta, List of museums in Atlanta, and Cuisine of Atlanta

Atlanta is a top destination for visitors, especially for its history museums and outdoor attractions. Popular spots include the Georgia Aquarium, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Zoo Atlanta are also very popular. The city is famous for its food, with many great restaurants offering Southern, international, and barbecue dishes.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Atlanta

Atlanta is well-known for its barbecue, hamburgers, Southern fried chicken, and lemon pepper wings. The city has a rich variety of foods, especially along Buford Highway, where many different international cuisines can be found. Atlanta's dining scene has grown quickly and now includes restaurants recognized in the Michelin Guide.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Atlanta

Sports are very important in Atlanta. The city has teams in four major sports: the Atlanta Braves in baseball, the Atlanta Hawks in basketball, the Atlanta Falcons in football, and Atlanta United FC in soccer. Colleges in Atlanta also have sports teams, and the city often hosts big games and events.

The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966 and have won several championships. The Falcons began playing in 1966 as well. The Hawks started in another city but moved to Atlanta in 1968. Atlanta United, a soccer team, began in 2017 and has been very popular. The city has also had teams in other sports like hockey, but they moved away. Atlanta is a key place for college football and hosts many important games each year. It has also been where big events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl took place.

Parks and recreation

Main article: Parks in Atlanta

Atlanta has many parks, nature preserves, and gardens. These green spaces cover about 3,600 acres, which is a little more than the size of 14 square kilometers. Even though this is smaller than the national average, most people in Atlanta live close to a park. One of the most famous parks is Piedmont Park, located in Midtown. This park is very popular and hosts many events. Another big park is Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, which opened in 2021 and is the largest park in the city. There are also other well-known parks such as Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and Grant Park, home to Zoo Atlanta.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is next to Piedmont Park and has beautiful gardens, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden. The Beltline is an old railroad track turned into a loop of parks and trails, adding more green space to the city. Atlanta also has many places for sports, like golf courses and tennis courts, as well as areas for water activities along the Chattahoochee River.

Tree canopy

Atlanta is known for having many trees, earning it the nickname “city in a forest.” The city has more trees than many other big cities in the U.S., with trees covering almost half of the area. This helps keep the city cool and clean. However, trees sometimes face challenges from weather, pests, and construction. Groups like Trees Atlanta work to plant more trees to keep the city green.

Government

Main articles: Government of Atlanta, List of mayors of Atlanta, and Crime in Atlanta

Atlanta is led by a mayor and a 15-member city council. The council includes one representative from each of the city's 12 districts and three members who represent the whole city. The mayor can veto decisions made by the council, but the council can override this with a large majority. The current mayor is Andre Dickens, who began his first term in 2022.

As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is home to many important state government offices, including the Georgia State Capitol. The city is also an important center for federal government agencies, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

**Presidential election results in Atlanta**
Year	Democratic	Republican	Others
2020	82.6% 200,717	16.2% 39,372	1.2% 2,972
2016	80.6% 164,643	15.7% 32,092	3.6% 7,452

Education

Atlanta is a major center for higher education, home to more than 15 colleges and universities. Notable institutions include the Georgia Institute of Technology in Midtown, known for its strong programs in engineering and science, and Georgia State University in Downtown Atlanta. The city also hosts Emory University, a leading private university, and the Atlanta University Center, which includes several historically black colleges and universities.

Atlanta has many primary and secondary schools, including around 49,000 students in Atlanta Public Schools and numerous private schools. The city continues to grow as a key educational hub in the Southeast.

Media

Main article: Media in Atlanta

Atlanta has many television stations, including WSB-TV 2 (ABC), WAGA-TV 5 (Fox), WXIA-TV 11 (NBC), and WPCH-TV 17 (CW). There are also public television and radio stations serving the area.

The city’s main newspaper is The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. There are also weekly and monthly magazines and newspapers covering different topics and communities in Atlanta.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Atlanta

For transportation in the Atlanta metropolitan area, see Atlanta metropolitan area § Transportation.

Atlanta has many ways to get around, including buses, trains, and airports. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority runs buses and trains that help people move around the city. One of the most famous places to fly into is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the world.

The city also has many highways, and most people drive cars to travel. However, there are also bike paths and even bike-sharing programs to help people ride bicycles around the city.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Atlanta

Atlanta has been home to many famous people throughout history. Some well-known individuals include musicians, actors, and athletes who have contributed to various fields and entertained people around the world. The city continues to inspire and attract talented individuals from many different backgrounds.

Sister cities

Atlanta has many sister cities around the world. These partnerships help people learn about different cultures and work together. Some of Atlanta's sister cities are: