Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of Georgia.

It serves as the county seat for Fulton County. The city limits also extend into DeKalb County. Atlanta is a Beta+ global city. This means it is a major center for international business and culture. The city sits near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It rests at an elevation just above sea level. The topography features rolling hills and lush greenery.

Atlanta has the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.

The city's growth began with the railroad. In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This line was intended to link Savannah to the Midwest. Engineers surveyed the land to find a terminus. They drove a "zero milepost" into the ground at what is now Five Points. In 1837, the chief engineer predicted the site would only support a few small businesses.

The settlement was first called Terminus. It was later known as Thrasherville. By 1842, the town was named Marthasville. Finally, the town was incorporated as Atlanta on December 29, 1847. The name Atlanta likely came from the Western and Atlantic Railroad. It may also be a feminine version of "Atlantic."

Atlanta played a strategic role during the American Civil War. The city was a nexus for multiple railroad lines. These lines helped distribute military supplies. In 1864, the Union Army invaded north Georgia. This led to the Battle of Atlanta and a four-month siege.

Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the destruction of public buildings before retreating. On September 12, 1864, General William T. Sherman ordered the destruction of remaining military assets. This occurred during the March to the Sea. The city was almost entirely burned to the ground.

After the war, Atlanta entered the Reconstruction era. The city rebuilt itself and attracted new residents. In 1868, the state capital moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta. By the 1880s, Atlanta surpassed Savannah as the largest city in Georgia. Henry W. Grady promoted the city as the capital of the "New South." This meant an economy based on modern industry rather than just agriculture. The city also became a center for higher education. The Georgia School of Technology and the Atlanta University Center were founded during this time.

The 20th century brought both growth and intense struggle. Atlanta became a major manufacturing and technology hub after World War II. However, the city also faced racial violence. The Atlanta Race Riot occurred in 1906. In 1915, a lynch mob killed Leo Frank. The city also suffered the Great Atlanta Fire in 1917. This fire destroyed 1,938 buildings in the Old Fourth Ward.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Atlanta became a center for the civil rights movement. Local leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy organized for equality.

Atlanta is a massive economic engine today. Its nominal gross domestic product was $473 billion in 2021. This makes it the 11th-largest economy among U.S. cities. It is also the 22nd-largest economy in the world.

The economy is very diverse. Key sectors include aerospace, logistics, and healthcare. It also includes film production, finance, and biomedical research. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is a vital part of this system. In 1998, it became the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic. It has held this title almost every year since. In 2022, it handled an estimated 93.7 million passengers.

Global events have also shaped the modern city. Atlanta won the bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics.

The Games led to significant investments in universities and parks. The tourism industry also grew because of the event. In the 21st century, the Atlanta Beltline rail trail has changed the city. This project has influenced the demographics and culture of local neighborhoods. Atlanta continues to evolve as a major global hub.