Atlanta History

Through the following years it was changed to “Thrasherville” then to “Terminus” to “Marthasville”, after the then Governor’s daughter, and on to become a more marketable “Atlanta” in 1845.

The Civil War seemed to destroy most of Atlanta in the 1860’s but it was chosen in 1868 as the State capital and quickly became the ‘capital of the New South’.

The new 'Hotlanta'

Atlanta has since become one of the fastest growing states in the country, a common example topic amongst students studying economic and urban development. Atlanta has been so significant on Georgia’s economy, the surrounding areas within a 45 mile radius are considered to be ‘exurbs’ because those residents travel to Atlanta, relying on its employment levels for work.

Modern Pioneers

Martin Luther King Jr. has also put Atlanta on the map in more recent decades for inspiring the American Civil Rights Movement which helped to desegregate, and abolish acts of racism amongst the people of Northern America (mostly in southern states). King was arrested here after a department store sit- in, sparking national comment and interest from the then President of the United States, John F Kennedy.

Even though King was assassinated in Tennessee and is revered by the whole nation, his body lies here in Atlanta, in a Marble casket (right) at the site dedicated to him and his work, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site.

Other historic sites here are not to be sneezed at; they represent some amazing places and periods in time. Like the Atlanta History Center’s extensive collection of original artifacts dating back centuries ago to the Civil War.

Wander the gardens there, and take yourself back to an era of grand estates and divine nature. It’s not often that such beauty can be witnessed like the grounds of Swan House (right). The lush and impeccably kept grounds are also a wonderful way to relax and calm your traveling nerves.

Atlanta made headlines in recent years with the Olympic Games at Centennial Park (below), but just as notably, the extremist attack killing two people there. Shrapnel still marks the walls and columns where Eric Robert Rudolph planned and carried out a fatal bombing in order to close the Olympics and gain attention from the government. Rudolph was the subject of a national seven year man hunt, and was finally arrested and jailed in 2003 for his crime in Atlanta as well as three other US bombings.

Other tragedies in Atlanta history have also built the city’s pride and character, like the Winecoff Hotel Fire that killed 119 guests in 1946. Within days of the fire, Atlanta had begun the implementation of safety codes which spread nationally, giving other buildings a week to refit to standard or be shut down. Atlanta’s pressure for safety codes are a testament as there has not been another tragic fire, such as the Winecoff, in the nation ever since.

By Leah Bradicich

Trek your own historical trail without spending lots of cash, view our cheap car rental deals here!