When Was Atlanta Founded? A Local’s Guide to the City’s Origins
If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are just curious about the city’s story, one of the first questions you might ask is: What year was Atlanta founded?
Atlanta was founded in 1837 as a railroad terminus in what was then frontier land of north Georgia. However, the city did not become officially incorporated as “Atlanta” until 1847.
Understanding those two dates—1837 and 1847—helps make sense of how Atlanta grew from a railroad stop in the woods into the major city you know today.
Key Dates in Atlanta’s Founding
Here’s a quick overview of the most important early dates in Atlanta’s history:
| Year | What Happened | Why It Matters for Atlanta Today |
|---|---|---|
| 1837 | Area chosen as the terminus of the Western & Atlantic Railroad | This is considered the founding year of Atlanta. The city’s rail roots still shape its layout and economy. |
| 1843 | The settlement officially named Marthasville | Early town identity forms; sometimes called Atlanta’s “pre-name.” |
| 1847 | Town renamed and incorporated as Atlanta | Atlanta becomes an official city with a new, permanent name. |
| 1864 | Battle and burning of Atlanta during the Civil War | Major turning point; explains why so little pre–Civil War architecture remains. |
| 1868 | Atlanta becomes capital of Georgia | Cemented the city’s role as a political and economic center. |
If you’re answering a trivia question or writing a quick fact, 1837 is the year most people use as the year Atlanta was founded.
Why 1837 Is Considered Atlanta’s Founding Year
Born as a Railroad Terminus
Atlanta did not start as a port town or a colonial settlement like some older cities. It began as a railroad project.
In 1837, state engineers selected the spot that is now downtown Atlanta as the southern terminus of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. At the time, the area was mostly forest and rural land with a few scattered homes.
- The terminus point was marked by a stake driven into the ground—sometimes referred to as the “Zero Mile Post.”
- Quick-developing businesses, boarding houses, and workshops sprang up around this point to support workers and travelers.
If you walk around Downtown Atlanta today—especially the areas near Five Points—you are essentially walking on top of what started as that 1837 railroad endpoint.
From Terminus to Marthasville to Atlanta
Early Names: “Terminus” and “Marthasville”
Before it was called Atlanta, the area went through a couple of names:
- Terminus – A practical nickname used informally because it was, literally, the end (terminus) of the railroad.
- Marthasville (1843) – The settlement was later incorporated and called Marthasville, commonly said to be named in honor of Martha Lumpkin, daughter of then–Georgia governor Wilson Lumpkin.
You may still see the name Marthasville pop up in local business names or historical references around the city, especially in educational or cultural contexts.
The Official Name “Atlanta” (1847)
In 1847, the town was officially renamed Atlanta and incorporated under that name.
The name “Atlanta” is closely tied to the railroad—many sources note that it was derived from “Atlantic,” as in the Western & Atlantic Railroad, while others emphasize it as a streamlined, more modern-sounding city name.
For residents and visitors today:
- 1837 = founding of the settlement as a railroad terminus
- 1847 = city officially incorporated as Atlanta
Both dates matter, but 1837 is usually treated as the birth of the city.
Where You Can See Atlanta’s Early History Today
If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect the founding year to real places, several spots bring the early railroad town to life.
Downtown & Five Points
The heart of early Atlanta grew up around what is now:
- Five Points – The intersection of major streets and former rail lines, still a central point of the city.
- Streets like Peachtree Street, Decatur Street, Marietta Street, and Pryor Street trace some of the oldest patterns of development.
You won’t find all-original 1830s buildings here because of Civil War destruction and later redevelopment, but the street layout and rail corridors still reflect those early choices from the 1830s and 1840s.
Oakland Cemetery
- Oakland Cemetery
248 Oakland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Founded in the 1850s, Oakland Cemetery is one of the best places to feel connected to early Atlanta residents—business owners, politicians, soldiers, and families who lived in the decades after the city’s founding.
You’ll find:
- Graves of many important Atlanta figures
- Monuments referencing the Civil War and the city’s rebuilding
- A landscape that feels very different from the skyscrapers of downtown but is only a short drive away
Atlanta History Center
- Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
For a deeper dive into Atlanta’s founding story, the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead offers:
- Exhibits on Atlanta’s railroad beginnings
- Artifacts and maps from the 1830s and 1840s
- Interpretive displays on how the city expanded from a small rail stop into a major regional hub
This is one of the best stops if you want a clear, visual explanation of how 1837 set everything in motion.
Why Atlanta’s Founding Year Matters to Locals and Visitors
Knowing that Atlanta was founded in 1837 shapes how you see the city today:
- Rail-focused layout: The tangle of rail lines, interstates, and oddly angled streets in areas like Downtown and Midtown makes more sense when you realize everything started as a railroad terminus.
- Limited pre–Civil War buildings: If you wonder why Atlanta doesn’t have as many very old buildings as some other cities, it’s because much of the city was destroyed in 1864 during the Civil War, just a few decades after its founding.
- Fast growth mindset: From a railroad stake in the woods in 1837 to a state capital and major metro area, Atlanta has grown rapidly. That “new city” energy is still part of its identity.
For someone moving to Atlanta, visiting for the first time, or helping a child with a school project, knowing these dates can make museums, neighborhoods, and even street names more meaningful.
Quick FAQ: Atlanta’s Founding
What year was Atlanta founded?
- 1837 is recognized as the year Atlanta was founded as the terminus of the Western & Atlantic Railroad.
When did Atlanta get its current name?
- The city was officially named and incorporated as Atlanta in 1847.
What was Atlanta called before “Atlanta”?
- It was informally known as Terminus, then officially incorporated as Marthasville in 1843 before being renamed Atlanta.
Where can I learn about Atlanta’s early history in person?
- Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) for exhibits and artifacts
- Oakland Cemetery (Grant Park area) for historic graves and city stories
- Downtown / Five Points area to walk the early core of the city’s development
Knowing that Atlanta was founded in 1837 gives you a starting point for understanding the city’s layout, culture, and rapid transformation from a railroad endpoint to the Atlanta you experience today.