Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia.
A railroad center rebuilt quickly after the Civil War to grow into a modern capital.
What makes the capitol special
Built in 1889, Georgia’s Capitol has a dome covered in real local gold. A statue called Miss Freedom stands at the very top. Inside, the building features marble floors and museum displays that cover history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.
Three places to visit
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Visit the house where Dr. King was born, the church where he preached, and his final resting place at this inspiring historic site.
- Georgia Aquarium – Explore the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to whale sharks, beluga whales, and thousands of other sea creatures.
- World of Coca-Cola – Learn the history of this famous brand and taste sodas from all over the world.
How the city got its name
Atlanta gets its name from the word “Atlantic.” This refers to the Western & Atlantic Railroad, a train line that played a major role in the city’s growth.
Why this city became the capital
Atlanta became the capital of Georgia in 1868. Before that, the state had four other capitals: Savannah (1777-1785), Augusta (1785-1795), Louisville (1796-1806), and Milledgeville (1807-1868). Atlanta was chosen because it was centrally located and had strong railroad connections. It was also recovering quickly economically following the Civil War.
From Celine Carlson’s 50 State Capitals: A Field Guide by a Girl Who Visited Them All, based on her visits to all 50 state capitals. About the author · Sources and research notes.