Don’t be surprised if you ask your Atlanta movers about the history of the area, and they are able to recite to you a timeline all the way back to 1836. Residents are proud of what this city has been through and what it has become. In fact, the more you learn about Atlanta, the more you realize that its history is revealed in little pieces throughout the city; you simply need to know what you are looking for.
When you look at the beautiful green spaces, know that they were once battlefields, and those roads you take for granted began as paths used by the Native Americans who inhabited the area first.
Before 1836
Although most considered 1836 to be the birth of Atlanta, this isn’t entirely true. Sure, the addition of the railroad in that year is considered the beginning of the city’s timeline, but this was Native American territory prior to this. Settlers moved in around 1822 and by 1830, a small inn was established.
The Zero Mile Post
The Georgia General Assembly agreed to build the railroad in 1836 and finally in 1837, a stake was drove into the ground. This stake was later labeled the Zero Mile Post.
The area developed, and by 1842, there were 30 residents and six buildings. In 1846, a second railroad was built, and the rest is history. The population exploded to 2,500 within a year. Today, historical sites can be seen and appreciated throughout this city.
- Atlanta History Center – This is one of the first places most new residents as well as tourists want to visit. Here you will find the Tullie Smith House from 1840 and the 1928 Swan House mansion, which has been fully restored the museum has exhibits on southern folk art, African American heritage and the Civil War. There are also 32 acres of gardens, woodland areas and wildlife trails to explore.
- Atlantic Station – This area actually feels like you are in an entirely different city. The Millennium Gate offers an intimate gallery setting of art, history and architecture. This is a great place to spend an afternoon from time-to-time, enjoying the trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafes and unique boutiques.
- Marietta Historic District – Here you will find heritage museums and tours of the town. The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum and Theatre in the Square must be visited, and you can head over to the Historic Roswell District to tour Bulloch Hall, the 1845 Smith Plantation and other antebellum homes.
- Margaret Mitchell House – This house is where Gone With the Wind was written by Margaret Mitchell. The Tudor Revival Mansion has a museum and shop, and offers tours and literature series.
- Oakland Cemetery – More than 70,000 builders, citizens and settlers have been laid to rest in this breathtaking cemetery, decorated with plant life and sculptures.
- Sweet Auburn District – You will find the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site here. Explore his home, The King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum – There is an oval office replica here and plenty of exhibits dedicated to the life of the 39tth president, including his 6th grade report card.
- Ivy Hall – In 1883, this Queen Anne-style breathtaking mansion was erected for Edward Peters. Today, there are classrooms here, after numerous restorations from a fire in 2000.
- Historic West End – If you ask your Atlanta movers where you should go to indulge in a little history and culture, there is a good chance that they will send you to the Historic West End. This urban neighborhood features restored Victorian cottages and period homes from the 1830s. Points of interest include the Atlanta University Center, Hammonds House Museum and the Wren’s Nest.
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