From Terminus to Atlanta: What the City Was Originally Called

If you live in Atlanta or you’re exploring the city’s history while visiting, you might be surprised to learn that “Atlanta” was not its first name. The city went through a couple of different names before becoming the capital of Georgia that you know today.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what Atlanta was originally called, why those names were chosen, and where you can still see traces of that early history around the city.

The Very First Name: Terminus

Atlanta was originally called “Terminus.”

In the late 1830s, state planners chose a spot in north Georgia as the end point (or “terminus”) of a major railroad line, the Western & Atlantic Railroad. At that point, the area was mostly forest and frontier.

• “Terminus” literally means “end of the line.”
• The location was selected because it was a good rail connection point between the Georgia interior and other growing trade routes.
• A small settlement grew up around this railroad end point, and locals began calling it Terminus.

For anyone walking around downtown or near the railroad tracks today, it’s hard to imagine that what is now a major metro area began as a tiny rail stop with a purely functional name.

The Next Name: Marthasville

As the rail town grew, people wanted a name that sounded more like a city and less like a utility stop. In 1843, the settlement was renamed “Marthasville.”

Marthasville was named in honor of Martha Lumpkin, the daughter of Governor Wilson Lumpkin, who was heavily involved in railroad development and the selection of the rail terminus site.

Key points about Marthasville:

• It reflected the town’s shift from a rough railroad outpost to a more permanent community.
• You may occasionally see “Marthasville” references in local history tours, museum displays, or in discussions of old maps and documents.
• The name did not last long, but it marks an important step between Terminus and Atlanta.

If you’re into local history, you’ll sometimes find Marthasville mentioned in Atlanta History Center exhibits or in historic markers around town.

How “Atlanta” Got Its Name

The name Atlanta came shortly after Marthasville. In 1845, officials approved a new name: Atlanta.

There are two main ideas you’ll hear about how the name was chosen:

1. Connection to the Western & Atlantic Railroad
   Many historians point out that “Atlanta” is likely linked to “Atlantic,” as in the Western & Atlantic Railroad.

   • In this view, Atlanta is essentially a shortened or stylized version connected to the railroad’s name.
   • This fits with the city’s identity as a railroad hub, which shaped its early growth.

2. A Feminine Twist on “Atlantic”
   Another common explanation is that the name was suggested as a more elegant or “feminine” version of Atlantic to match other city naming patterns at the time.

Regardless of which version you lean toward, all of the explanations tie back to the same basic idea:
Atlanta’s name is deeply rooted in the railroad that built the city.

Quick Timeline of Atlanta’s Early Names

Here’s a simple overview to keep things straight:

If you’re looking up old maps or historical records about the city, these names help you understand what you’re seeing.

Where You Can See This History in Atlanta Today

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about these early names, there are several places where you can see and learn more about Terminus, Marthasville, and the origins of Atlanta.

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

The Atlanta History Center often features exhibits on:

• The Western & Atlantic Railroad
• Early settlement patterns
• The evolution of Atlanta from Terminus to Marthasville to Atlanta

This is a good stop if you want a deep dive into the city’s founding and how transportation shaped it.

Location:
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 814-4000

Underground Atlanta & Historic Downtown

In and around Underground Atlanta and the Five Points area downtown, you’re close to the original heart of the old rail town:

• This area sits near where the early rail lines converged.
• Walking tours and plaques in the downtown core sometimes mention Terminus and early railroad infrastructure.
• You can stand near the same general area where Atlanta first existed as a rough railroad stop.

Georgia State Capitol and Nearby Markers

Near the Georgia State Capitol and throughout the Capitol district, you may find historical markers referencing early railroad routes and the development of Atlanta as a transportation hub.

Georgia State Capitol:
206 Washington St SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

While these markers may not always use the word Terminus prominently, they often explain how key the Western & Atlantic Railroad was in creating a city at this location.

Western & Atlantic Railroad Markers

Across Atlanta and into north Georgia, there are historic markers dedicated to the Western & Atlantic Railroad. When you see these, you’re looking at the broader rail network that:

• Selected the site of Terminus
• Gave rise to Marthasville
• Ultimately helped shape Atlanta into a major Southern city

If you’re exploring by car or on a day trip beyond the city center, these markers connect Atlanta’s name story to the larger regional rail history.

Why Atlanta’s Original Name Still Matters Today

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, knowing that the city was originally called Terminus and then Marthasville helps you:

• Understand why Atlanta is such a transportation hub.
  The city’s identity as a rail center evolved into today’s major airport, interstate network, and logistics industry.

• Appreciate local references.
  You’ll see the name “Terminus” used for businesses, events, or developments around the city, especially in areas near the old rail lines. These often nod to the original name.

• Make sense of Atlanta’s layout.
  The cluster of rail lines and roads converging downtown is not accidental—it’s a direct legacy of the original rail terminus.

Simple Answer: What Was Atlanta Originally Called?

• Atlanta was originally called “Terminus” when it was first established as the end of the Western & Atlantic Railroad in the late 1830s.
• It was then renamed “Marthasville” in 1843.
• Finally, it became “Atlanta” in 1845, a name likely linked to the word “Atlantic” and the Western & Atlantic Railroad.

If you’re exploring the city today—whether you’re here long-term or just visiting—those early names are still echoed in local landmarks, business names, and historical sites throughout Atlanta.