History of Atlanta

The history of Atlanta began in 1836 when Georgia chose a spot to build a railroad heading toward the U.S. Midwest. The area, first called "Terminus," grew quickly as more rail lines arrived, making it a key hub for the Southern United States. During the American Civil War, Union troops led by William Sherman damaged much of the city, but Atlanta rebuilt and grew after the war.

Important moments in Atlanta’s story include the creation of its first black colleges and the rise of a strong black middle and upper class. The city played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr.. In more recent times, Atlanta became known for its busy airport and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996. Today, the city continues to change with new people moving in and old neighborhoods gaining new life.

Native American civilization: before 1836

The area where Atlanta stands today was once home to the Creek and Cherokee Native American peoples. In 1813, the Creeks, who were helping the British during the War of 1812, attacked and burned Fort Mims in Alabama. This started a larger conflict called the Creek War. In response, the United States built several forts along the Ocmulgee and Chattahoochee Rivers, including Fort Daniel near present-day Dacula, Georgia.

One important fort was called Fort Gilmer, located next to a place known as Standing Peachtree, a meeting spot for the Creek and Cherokee peoples where Peachtree Creek meets the Chattahoochee. The fort was later renamed Fort Peachtree, and a road was built connecting it to Fort Daniel.

Between 1802 and 1825, the United States worked to move Native Americans from northern Georgia. In 1821, the Creek people gave up the land that is now metro Atlanta. Shortly after, the Georgia Land Lottery Act created five new counties in the area, including Dekalb County in 1822. One person, Archibald Holland, received a piece of land near where the Coca-Cola headquarters stands today. He farmed there but left in 1833 because the land was often wet and muddy.

In 1835, some Cherokee leaders agreed to give up their land to the United States without the approval of most Cherokee people, leading to the sad event known as the Trail of Tears.

From railroad terminus to Atlanta: 1836–1860

In 1836, leaders in Georgia decided to build a railroad to connect the port of Savannah with the Midwest. They chose a spot where the railroad would end, and this spot eventually became Atlanta. A leader named Colonel Stephen Harriman Long suggested this place after looking at different routes.

Soon, people began to settle there. In 1839, a man named John Thrasher built homes and a shop, and the place was called Thrasherville. Later, the settlement moved to a new spot and was called Terminus, meaning "the end of the line."

In 1842, the settlement was renamed Marthasville after Governor Wilson Lumpkin’s daughter, Martha. But in 1845, it was renamed again to Atlanta. The town grew quickly with the help of railroads. By 1847, Atlanta had about 2,500 people, and it kept growing as more railroads arrived, connecting it to other places.

Atlanta became an important place for trade, especially for cotton. Factories and mills were built, and the town became busier with each passing year. By 1860, Atlanta had many shops, factories, and was a key spot for railroads in the South.

Civil War and Reconstruction: 1861–1871

Civil War: 1861–1865

Main article: Atlanta in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Atlanta was very important for railroads and military supplies. In 1864, the city was attacked by a large group of Union soldiers. There were several battles nearby, including the Battle of Peachtree Creek, the Battle of Atlanta, and the Battle of Ezra Church. After these battles, the leader of the Confederate soldiers had to leave Atlanta. The city was later burned down by order of a Union general.

Reconstruction: 1865–1871

After the war, Atlanta was rebuilt and its population grew quickly. Many people moved to the city looking for work. There were problems with food and housing because of the war. Some areas of the city had poor living conditions, especially for black people who had just been freed from slavery.

Atlanta became an important place for education for black people. Several schools were started, including Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Clark University, Spelman College, and Morris Brown College. This helped many black families improve their lives.

Gate City of the New South: 1872-1905

The New South

Henry W. Grady, an editor at the Atlanta Constitution, encouraged people to invest in the city. He talked about the city as part of the "New South", meaning it would grow in new ways instead of relying only on farming. He also helped start the Georgia School of Technology in 1885. In 1889, a home for soldiers was built with his support.

In 1880, a group of sisters arrived in Atlanta with very little money and opened the city's first hospital after the Civil War. This hospital later became known as Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Expansion and the first planned suburbs

Starting in 1871, streetcars pulled by horses, and later powered by electricity from 1888, helped the city grow. New neighborhoods formed along Washington Street and Peachtree Street.

In the 1890s, West End was a favorite area for wealthy people, but Inman Park became even more popular. Big homes were built along Peachtree Street, reaching into what is now Midtown Atlanta. One famous home is Rhodes Hall, which people can still visit today.

Atlanta became Georgia's largest city by 1880.

Coca-Cola

Atlanta and Coca-Cola became linked in 1886 when John Pemberton created the drink. The first sales happened at a pharmacy in Atlanta. Asa Griggs Candler later bought part of the company and officially started the Coca Cola Company in 1888. The company's main office has stayed in Atlanta ever since. In 1991, Atlanta opened the World of Coca-Cola, which many visitors enjoy.

Cotton States Expo and Booker T. Washington speech

In 1895, a big fair called the Cotton States and International Exposition was held in what is now Piedmont Park. Almost 800,000 people came to see new inventions and products. President Grover Cleveland opened the event. The fair is most remembered for a speech by Booker T. Washington about how black and white people could work together.

Streetcar suburbs and World War II: 1906–1945

Main article: Atlanta massacre of 1906

Competition for jobs and housing between different groups caused tension. In 1906, stories in newspapers made these tensions worse, leading to a troubled time in Atlanta. Many businesses owned by one group moved to a safer area around the Atlanta University Center and Auburn Avenue. This area, called "Sweet" Auburn, became a center for important businesses, schools, and churches for that community, even with many challenges.

Main article: Country music in Atlanta

Many people from the mountains came to Atlanta to work and brought their music with them. Starting in 1913, Atlanta became a important place for country music, with many recordings and live performances happening there for many years.

Main article: Great Atlanta Fire of 1917

In 1917, a big fire destroyed many wooden buildings in Atlanta, leaving thousands of people without homes. Only one person sadly passed away from shock after seeing their home destroyed.

In 1939, Atlanta hosted a big event for the movie Gone with the Wind, based on a book by a local writer. Many famous actors attended, though some were not allowed to join certain parts of the celebration.

In 1941, Delta Air Lines moved its headquarters to Atlanta, and it later grew to become one of the world's largest airlines.

With the United States entering World War II, Atlanta became an important training place for soldiers and a center for war-related jobs, which helped the city's growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began here during this time, starting from offices focused on health during the war.

Suburbanization and Civil Rights: 1946–1989

In 1951, the city was given a special award for its quick growth and high quality of life in the southern U.S.

The city grew by taking in nearby areas. In 1952, Atlanta took in Buckhead and other large parts of what are now northwest, southwest, and south Atlanta, adding 82 square miles (210 km²) and tripling its size. This added 100,000 new residents and helped keep leadership in the hands of certain groups, while also expanding the city’s resources and influence.

Important court decisions in 1962 and 1963 changed voting rules in Georgia, giving Atlanta and other cities more control. These changes allowed more Black voters to join the Democratic Party and become active in politics through the Atlanta Negro Voters League.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta became a key place for organizing. In 1960, a sit-in at lunch counters led to the arrest of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and several students, drawing national attention.

Atlanta worked to maintain a peaceful image, though some race-related tensions and smaller protests happened in the 1960s.

In 1962, a tragic airplane crash affected the city deeply. Many important people from Atlanta were on the flight, and the loss led to new cultural developments, including the creation of the Woodruff Arts Center.

As new shopping centers appeared in the suburbs, downtown Atlanta shifted its focus to offices and conventions. Big projects like the Peachtree Center and new hotels helped Atlanta grow as a major meeting place.

By 1970, African Americans became the majority in Atlanta, leading to the election of the city’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, in 1973. His work improved race relations and started many big projects, including modernizing the airport.

Construction began on Atlanta’s MARTA rail system in 1975, with service starting in 1979.

After serving two terms, Mayor Andrew Young left office due to term limits. He was succeeded by Maynard Jackson, who served from 1990 to 1994, followed by Bill Campbell from 1994 to 2002.

Olympic and World City: 1990–present

1996 Summer Olympics

Main article: 1996 Summer Olympics

In 1990, Atlanta was chosen to host the 1996 Summer Olympics. The city built many new parks, sports places, and roads to get ready for the games. Atlanta was the third U.S. city to host the Summer Olympics, after St. Louis and Los Angeles.

Shirley Franklin mayorship

Shirley Franklin became Atlanta's mayor in 2001. She worked hard to fix the city's sewer system and helped make Atlanta a greener place. She was praised for her leadership and was re-elected with lots of support.

2008 tornado

Main article: 2008 Atlanta tornado outbreak § Atlanta, Georgia

In March 2008, a tornado went through downtown Atlanta. It damaged some buildings, including the Georgia Dome and the Omni Hotel.

Beltline

Main article: Beltline

In 2005, Atlanta started a big project called the Beltline. It turned an old railroad track into a trail with art and more green spaces.

Gentrification

Main article: Gentrification of Atlanta

Since 2000, Atlanta has changed a lot. More young people with education moved into the city, and new arts places opened up.

Racial transition

Main article: Demographics of Atlanta

From 2000 to 2010, the number of Black people living in Atlanta city went down, while the number of White people went up. This change was noticed in the 2009 mayoral election.

Recent events

In March 2020, Atlanta felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines became available in December 2020, and many restrictions were lifted by June 2021.

In May 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, there were protests in Atlanta that sometimes turned into riots. Some famous places were damaged.

In 2021, there were some tragic events involving shootings at massage parlors. Also, plans for a new police training center called Cop City caused protests and attention.