Atlanta

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United States Colored Troop enlisted African-American soldier reading at 8 Whitehall Street, Atlanta slave auction house, Fall 1864- 'Auction & Negro Sales,' Whitehall Street LOC cwpb.03351 (cropped).

Marietta-Street-Atlanta

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Martin Luther King Jr Coretta Scott King Tomb

JO Atlanta 1996 - Drapeau

Atlanta is the capital city of the U.S. state of Georgia. With an estimated population of 506,811 as of 2020, it is also the most populous city in the state. Atlanta plays a critical role in the United States in terms of its economic, cultural, and historical significance. The city serves as a major hub for transportation, hosting the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic.

History

Atlanta's history dates back to 1837 when it was founded as a transportation hub at the intersection of two railroad lines. The city rapidly grew in importance as a commercial town, largely due to its strategic location. The American Civil War brought significant destruction to Atlanta, but the city recovered and was rebuilt, eventually becoming the unofficial capital of the "New South." The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s had a significant chapter in Atlanta, with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. leading the fight for civil rights from this city.

Geography

Atlanta is located in the southeastern part of the United States, characterized by its rolling hills and dense tree coverage, earning it the nickname "the city in a forest." The Chattahoochee River runs along its western edge, providing a natural boundary with the suburbs.

Economy

The economy of Atlanta is diverse, with dominant sectors including logistics, professional and business services, media operations, and information technology. The city is home to the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, and Delta Air Lines. Atlanta's economy is also supported by a robust higher education sector, including institutions such as Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University.

Culture

Atlanta is a cultural hub, known for its contributions to music, particularly hip hop, R&B, and neo-soul. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, encompassing the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and a thriving theater community. Atlanta's culinary scene is diverse, reflecting the city's multicultural population, with a particular emphasis on Southern cuisine.

Sports

The city is home to several major professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta Braves (MLB), the latter of which won the World Series in 1995, 2021. Atlanta also hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, a pivotal event in the city's history that spurred much development and international recognition.

Government and Politics

Atlanta is governed by a mayor-council system, with the mayor holding executive authority and the city council responsible for legislative functions. The city has a history of progressive politics, particularly in regard to civil rights and social justice issues.

Education

The city boasts a number of higher education institutions, making it a center for research and learning in the Southeast. The Atlanta Public Schools system serves the city's youth through various elementary, middle, and high schools.

Transportation

Atlanta's transportation infrastructure is extensive, featuring a large network of highways and roads, the MARTA public transit system (which includes buses and rail), and the aforementioned Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Demographics

Atlanta is a diverse city with a significant African American population. The city's demographics have been evolving, with an increasing number of people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds making Atlanta their home.