Atlanta History

While Georgia is well known as the film industry mecca of the South, not many know that President Jimmy Carter helped the state make its foray into movies.

Last fall, metro Atlanta film and history buffs were saddened to hear Atlanta’s historic Tara Theatre would close after almost 55 years of movie magic and memories. However, Chris Escobar, owner of The Plaza Theatre and executive director of Atlanta Film Society, recently announced The Tara will reopen in spring 2023. 

Ten governors of Georgia called this 19th-century mansion home when it served as the Governor’s Mansion from its completion in 1839 to just after the Civil War in 1868.

Starting as teen entrepreneurs, brothers James and Robert Paschal opened the first location of Paschal’s Restaurant in 1947 in Atlanta.

Lake Lanier’s history is as murky as its deep waters.

When thinking of Atlanta, chances are a thriving metropolis comes to mind. However, ancient flowing waters, also known as the Chattahoochee River, are living in the middle of this modern world.

While Atlanta has done a good job of preserving historic sites, one area that remains neglected in the city’s historical narrative is the LGBTQ+ community.

The Goat Farm Arts Center, previously known as the Van Winkle Gin and Machinery Works, has a rich history in Atlanta.

Our city has seen its fair share of mayors throughout the years – some more notable than others.

Deemed “America’s Favorite Treasure Hunt,” the Scott Antique Market has been a destination shopping experience for decades. Founded by Don Scott, the market is still going on today with the next dates set for June 9-12.

Designed by George Harwell Bond as an art deco cinema and live theater space, The Plaza Theatre first opened in December 1939.

Located just east of Atlanta off of I-20, Arabia Mountain is one of the more popular hiking spots for city-dwellers.

We buried our father Sam Massell yesterday in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery. He has many legacies, but one they don’t write about is …

Before the interstates, tourists still drove to Florida through Georgia, usually on challenging dirt roads.

In the early 1920s, many came to Atlanta from the Appalachians to work in the cotton mills, bringing their music with them.

Big Bethel A.M.E. in the Sweet Auburn District is believed to be the oldest predominantly African American congregation in the metro Atlanta area.

In a city rich with history, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has made its mark on Atlanta since 1945.

The Macy’s Great Tree Lighting began in 1948, stemming from a suggestion by the former head of advertising for Rich’s department store, Frank Pallota.

Doll’s Head Trail in Dekalb County’s Constitution Lakes Park became a popular and unique attraction over the last decade.

Located on the corner of Peachtree and Marietta Streets, Jacob’s Pharmacy sold the first glass of Coca-Cola for five cents in 1886.

Founded as the Boston Red Stockings in 1871, the Braves are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in America.

Atlanta’s music scene is a melting pot of genres ranging from hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and country.

Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, the CNN Center has always been a significant structure to the city, even before the popular news network made the building its home.

Well known as Atlanta’s original nightspot for big kids since 1979, Johnny’s Hideaway is still the go-to spot for many, but most have no clue what happens behind the scenes at the popular restaurant and dance club.

Son of Coca-Cola co-founder, Asa Griggs Candler Jr., built his massive Briarcliff Estate in the early 1920s. The 42-acre Atlanta property

Manuel’s Tavern prides itself on conversation. In 1956, Manuel Maloof opened this music-less tavern in hopes of creating a safe place where conversation was encouraged.

Until 1904, the only way to cross the Chattahoochee River from Buckhead to Vinings was by ferry or boat, before a 280-foot steel bridge was erected.

Traveling to the intriguing School Bus Graveyard in Habersham County, visitors take photos with the graffitied buses but few know how they came to be.

Established in 1914, only 50 years after the burning of Atlanta, a small but mighty group of Atlantans met and established what is now known as Atlanta Writers Club.

In 1925, Huff Daland Dusters, Delta’s predecessor, was founded in Macon as the first commercial agricultural flying company and crop dusted everywhere from Florida to Arkansas and California to Mexico.