Atlanta’s First Name: How a Railroad Stop Became the City of Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard bits and pieces about the city’s railroad roots. But when people ask, “What was Atlanta’s original name?” they’re often surprised to learn that the city went through several names before it officially became Atlanta.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what Atlanta was first called, how those names changed, and where you can still see reminders of those early identities around the city today.

Atlanta’s Earliest Identity: Terminus

The earliest widely recognized name for what became Atlanta was Terminus.

Why “Terminus”?

In the 1830s and early 1840s, Georgia leaders were planning a major state railroad to connect the interior of the state to the Midwest and other trade routes. The planned end of that line—the western and Atlantic “termination point”—was marked in what’s now downtown Atlanta.

Because this spot was the end of the rail line, people naturally began calling it:

• “Terminus” – literally meaning “end of the line”

At that time, Terminus was not yet a bustling city. It was a small settlement built around the new railroad, surrounded by forest and farmland. But this small railroad hub would quickly grow into something much bigger.

Key point:
If someone asks for Atlanta’s “original name,” the most historically recognized early name for the settlement is Terminus.

From Terminus to Marthasville

Terminus didn’t keep its name for long.

Why the Change to Marthasville?

In the early 1840s, as the rail lines developed and more people moved in, the settlement began to look more like a proper town. Local leaders wanted a more formal, “town-sounding” name.

The name chosen was Marthasville.

Common explanations for the name include:

• It was likely named after Martha, the daughter of former Georgia Governor Wilson Lumpkin, who played a major role in railroad development in the area.

By this time, the town was already becoming a railroad crossroads, serving as a key connection point in north Georgia. The name Marthasville reflected its move from a rough railroad endpoint to a growing community.

Important takeaway for Atlanta residents and visitors:
Marthasville was an early official name of the town, but it still wasn’t the last one. The name change to Atlanta was just around the corner.

How Marthasville Became Atlanta

The switch from Marthasville to Atlanta is what truly set the city’s modern identity.

Why the Name “Atlanta”?

The name Atlanta is widely understood to be connected to the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which was central to the town’s existence. The name likely came from:

• A shortened or stylized form of “Atlantic”
• A reference tied to the Western & Atlantic Railroad line

Local accounts often describe the name Atlanta as being chosen because it sounded:

• Modern
• Strong
• Closely associated with the railroad system that defined the town’s purpose

By the mid-1800s, the name Atlanta was officially adopted. From that point forward, the city began to build the identity you recognize today—first as a rail hub, later as a commercial center, and eventually as a major city in the Southeast.

Quick Reference: Atlanta’s Early Names at a Glance

Here’s a simple way to keep the early names straight:

If you’re curious about “What was Atlanta called before Atlanta?”, both Terminus and Marthasville are correct in different stages, but Terminus is usually considered the first widely used name for the settlement.

Where You Can Still See These Names in Atlanta Today

If you’re living in or visiting Atlanta, you can actually spot references to the city’s original names around town.

1. Terminus References

You may see “Terminus” used in modern business or development names, especially in areas connected to the city’s railroad and industrial heritage. The name is often used to:

• Evoke Atlanta’s railroad history
• Create a historic-meets-modern branding feel

While the original “Terminus” marker was a practical railroad point rather than a full city, the concept of Atlanta as a transportation hub still matches the spirit of the name.

2. Railroad Landmarks and Museum Exhibits

If you want to understand how Terminus and Marthasville turned into Atlanta, a visit to a local history center can be helpful. In Atlanta, you can often find exhibits on:

• The Western & Atlantic Railroad
• Early maps showing the “terminus” point
• The evolution from a rail stop to a major urban center

These types of exhibits are especially useful if you’re:

• New to Atlanta and trying to understand the city’s layout
• Showing visitors the city’s deeper story
• Interested in why Atlanta became such an important transportation and logistics hub

Why Atlanta’s Original Name Still Matters Today

Knowing that Atlanta was once called Terminus and Marthasville gives context to many things you see and hear in the city:

• Transportation focus: Atlanta’s ongoing role as a rail, road, and air hub isn’t accidental—it’s built on the same logic that created Terminus.
• Street and neighborhood patterns: The way certain neighborhoods cluster around old rail lines or junctions goes back to those earliest days.
• Local pride: Many Atlantan businesses and organizations draw on names like Terminus to connect themselves to the city’s origins.

For residents, this history explains why Atlanta grew where it did. For visitors, it adds depth to what might otherwise just look like another modern city skyline.

Short Answer: What Was Atlanta’s Original Name?

If you’re looking for a direct, simple answer to the question “What was Atlanta’s original name?” here’s how to think about it:

• The first widely used name for the early settlement that became Atlanta was Terminus, reflecting its role as the end of a major railroad line.
• It was later renamed Marthasville as it developed into a town.
• Finally, it was renamed Atlanta, the name the city carries today.

So, while Terminus is often cited as the city’s original name, both Terminus and Marthasville are part of Atlanta’s early identity—and they still shape how the city sees itself today.