Atlanta
In 1842 Atlanta had its humble beginnings as a small railroad village for the state owned Western & Atlanta Railroad.
Always destined for greatness, Atlanta grew into a major manufacturing and transportation center, serving as a hub to four railroads. Because of its role as
a primary distributor of goods for the Confederate Army, Atlanta was a main target for the Union Troops at the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1864, Atlanta
was reduced to ashes by General William T. Sherman and his troops following a Union victory in the Battle of Atlanta. But like the phoenix from an ancient
Egyptian myth, which now serves as the city’s symbol, Atlanta rose from its own ashes with renewed strength and beauty to create a new 'brave and beautiful
city'.
Today, Atlanta is still one of the top distribution centers in the United States due mainly to its physical location, which enables it access to both Northeastern and Midwestern markets. Atlanta is home to a thriving business community and was recently ranked fourth among 'The World's Best Cities for Business' by Fortune magazine behind Hong Kong, London and New York. More than 500,000 jobs have been created here since 1984, making Atlanta one of the leading employment centers in the nation. Over 730 of the Fortune 1000 companies have offices in the Atlanta area, which contributes to an unemployment rate that is consistently lower than the national average. Atlanta serves as world headquarters to an impressive list of companies such as: CNN, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Georgia Pacific, Holiday Inn Worldwide, Home Depot, Scientific Atlanta and UPS.
Atlanta was founded as a transportation center and today continues to be the transportation hub for the Southeast. Hartsfield International Airport is the world’s busiest airport. Approximately 82% of the US population is within a two hour flight of Atlanta. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides extensive bus and rail transportation within the metro area. MARTA has 150 bus routes covering 1500 miles and 39-mile rail system. There are also four main interstates, I-20, I-75, I-85, and I-285, and three major railroads serving Atlanta.
Atlanta is located in the foothills of the southern Appalachian mountains at an elevation of 1,010 feet above sea level and like the citizens that live here, the climate is warm and inviting year round. Residents enjoy an average temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and 79 degrees during the summer.
Sports and cultural enthusiasts have a wide variety from which to choose in Atlanta. Audiences can enjoy a world class ballet, symphony, museum and opera as well as nationally recognized theaters, festivals and other exciting cultural events. And if sporting events are what you’re interested in, Atlanta is the place to be. The mild climate enables Atlantans to enjoy sporting activities year round, either as a participant or spectator. The city of Atlanta has been named to host such high profile sporting events as the 1994 Super Bowl, the 1995 World Series and most impressive, the 1996 Centennial Summer Olympic Games.
Welcome to Atlanta! From its historic past to its exciting future, Atlanta is a city on the move with something for everyone. Whether your stay here is business, pleasure or you are looking to make a move to our city, take advantage of the many things our beautiful city has to offer.
