Overview

Atlanta is in the southeastern part of the United States of America. It is the capital of the state of Georgia and has a population of about half a million. It is the ninth most populous metro area. The city is a delightful blend of the old with the new and you will come upon contrasting old-fashioned historical homes in the backdrop of postmodern skyscrapers. The city has a diverse population with its residents comprising people from all around the world.

The first inhabitants of Georgia were prehistoric Indians, known today as the Mound Builders. The Cherokees later settled in the area, and the state was named after King George II of England. It was the last of his 13 colonies.

The city began to take shape around the year 1837 when the Western and Atlantic Railroad decided to make Atlanta its southern terminus. In fact, it was called the Terminus until 1843 before it was renamed Marthasville, after the governor's daughter. In 1847, it was renamed Atlanta, which was supposed to be a feminine word for Atlantic. The city was incorporated in 1847.

It was a major railroad hub until the start of the Civil War in 1861. In 1865, Union general William T. Sherman burned down about two-thirds of the city. Consequently the city has the unhappy honor of being the only American city ever destroyed by war.

Activities & Attractions

You can learn about the history of Atlanta's Civil War at the Cyclorama, a massive circular mural, which narrates the story of the 1864 battle of Atlanta. You can also visit the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which features 11 miles of Union and Confederate earthworks. The Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta serves as the final resting place for more than 3,900 Confederate soldiers.

Tourists to the area can visit other historical sites such as the house of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior and the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Sweet Auburn.

Interestingly, the legendary movie Gone with the Wind is set in Atlanta. Fans can tour the author Margaret Mitchell's house where she wrote the novel, visit the movie museum in Marietta, or visit the Tara Museum, in Jonesboro, where the plantation Tara was based.

Most of Atlanta's attractions are positioned along a walkable loop. It includes the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Children's Museum of Atlanta, and the Centennial Olympic Park to name a few.

Lodging

Atlanta is full of hotels that offer great places to stay and also fit your budget. You can stay downtown, midtown, or in the Buckhead area near the shopping centers. If you plan to visit the attractions in the greater Atlanta area, you can opt for the very many hotels and bed and breakfasts outside the city proper as they are economical.

Transportation

Atlanta's main airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is about eight miles south of the city and is the hub of Delta Air Lines. The airport is connected to the city by the MARTA rail system which serves the entire city. Most of the MARTA stations have taxi stands.

You can also visit Atlanta by Amtrak's Crescent train, which connects the city to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans. Atlanta is well served by interstate highways and hence you can also reach the city by bus.