Atlanta has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the cultural,
economic, and political development of the United States. Originally founded in 1837 as a transportation center for the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Atlanta’s strategic location
made it a hub for trade and commerce. During the Civil War, Atlanta became a key site for the Confederacy’s war efforts, but it was famously burned to the ground by Union General
William Tecumseh Sherman during his “March to the Sea” in 1864. Despite this destruction, the city rebuilt quickly in the post-war era, becoming a center for the New South in the
late 19th century, with a booming economy based on railroads, industry, and commerce.
In the 20th century, Atlanta continued to evolve, especially during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The city became a focal point for social change, with notable
figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerging from Atlanta's vibrant African American community. The Civil Rights Movement saw key events, including the March on Washington and
sit-ins at segregated lunch counters. Atlanta also became known as the birthplace of the modern civil rights struggle, with institutions such as the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference (SCLC) being founded in the city. By the mid-20th century, Atlanta had firmly established itself as a leading city in the American South.
Today, Atlanta is a thriving metropolis and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It is home to a diverse population and serves as a major cultural, financial,
and business center. The city boasts a robust economy supported by industries like technology, film and entertainment, logistics, and aviation, thanks in large part to the presence
of Delta Airlines, whose hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest in the world. Atlanta has also become a significant center for higher education,
with institutions like Georgia Tech and Emory University contributing to the city's intellectual and cultural life.