Atlanta named by railroad engineer

Modern-day Atlanta went through various stages before finally becoming the city we know today. One of these stages started in 1843 when Atlanta was incorporated into the state of Georgia as Marthasville.

Originally known as Terminus, Atlanta was a railroad hub for the country. The governor at the time, Governor Lumpkin, asked that the new settlement be called Marthasville in honor of his daughter, and Terminus became Marthasville. That name lasted two years.

In 1845, rail engineer J. Edgar Thompson suggested the name “Atlantica-Pacifica,” which was shortened to Atlanta and the City of Atlanta was incorporated in 1847.

– Jack Lindsay