Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and is the South's commercial and economic beast. Founded in 1837, Atlanta thrived until the Civil War. The city was a major Southern arsenal, was a center of domestic & military transportation, and was a primary target of the federal government during the Civil War. It was nearly decimated by Federal General Sherman when Yankee troops sacked the city. Over 10,000 people perished in the Battle of Atlanta. Only about 400 of the almost 4,000 buildings remained standing. Many of those who died during the war were interred at Oakland Cemetery.
Ruin ended up working to the city's advantage as it became the center for southern restoration and the meeting place of several railroads. Atlanta became the state capital in 1868.
Atlanta is home to our nation's most famous civil rights leader, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. King, who was born here in 1929. In Sweet Auburn you will find the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, which includes his birthplace, his church and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
In the 1930's Pulitzer prize winning author Margaret Mitchell wrote the novel which captured the essence of the Antebellum South, Gone With the Wind, set in Atlanta. You can't spend long in the city without coming across some reference to her book, so it might be a good read beforehand or while you're here. You can also visit Mitchell's house once you arrive.
Today Atlanta is a city of nearly 400,000 people. Fortune 500 companies, banks, industry, and merchants all call Atlanta home. Atlanta is home to CNN, Ted Turner's media giant, as well as Coca-Cola, the "World's most popular product." This city is a cosmopolitan metropolis in every sense of the word. The warm Southern hospitality that you receive here is common in many places South of Washington D.C., but is as sweet as a peach when served up Atlanta style.
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and is the South's commercial and economic beast. Founded in 1837, Atlanta thrived until the Civil War. The city was a major Southern arsenal, was a center of domestic & military transportation, and was a primary target of the federal government during the Civil War. It was nearly decimated by Federal General Sherman when Yankee troops sacked the city. Over 10,000 people perished in the Battle of Atlanta. Only about 400 of the almost 4,000 buildings remained standing. Many of those who died during the war were interred at Oakland Cemetery. 
