Explore the Rich History and Vibrant Culture: Walking Tour Of Atlanta Georgia Downtown - Look Up America Series

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia? Join us on an exciting walking tour of Atlanta's downtown area, as we uncover the untold stories, hidden gems, and architectural wonders that define this incredible city. This article is part of the Look Up America series that aims to highlight the beauty and heritage of various cities across the United States.

The Gateway to the South

Atlanta, nestled in the southeastern part of the United States, is more than just a bustling metropolis. It serves as the gateway to the South and offers a captivating blend of history, diverse cultures, entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Exploring downtown Atlanta on foot allows you to soak up the unique atmosphere and get a true sense of the city's soul.

Start Your Downtown Adventure

Begin your journey at the iconic Peachtree Street, which runs through the heart of downtown Atlanta. As you walk along this bustling thoroughfare, you'll pass by magnificent skyscrapers, vibrant street art, and historical landmarks. Don't forget to look up and admire the magnificent architecture that adorns the city's buildings.

A Walking Tour of Atlanta, Georgia - Downtown (Look Up, America! Series)

by Doug Gelbert(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1241 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Next, head towards Woodruff Park, where you can relax and admire the beautiful scenery. This urban oasis offers a peaceful respite amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a moment to admire the park's historic fountain, statues, and lush greenery.

Venture into History

No walking tour of Atlanta would be complete without a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Explore the childhood home of the civil rights icon and pay your respects at his final resting place. The site also includes the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King once preached his powerful messages.

Continue your historical journey by strolling through the Underground Atlanta, a vibrant district filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This area was once a bustling business district during the mid-19th century and now serves as a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

As you explore downtown Atlanta, be sure to savor the local cuisine. The city boasts a diverse food scene, offering everything from Southern comfort food to international delicacies. You'll find numerous restaurants, food trucks, and cafes that cater to every taste bud.

Experience Atlanta's Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets on downtown Atlanta, a whole new world comes to life. From swanky rooftop bars to lively music venues, the city offers a plethora of options for those seeking to immerse themselves in Atlanta's vibrant nightlife. Don't miss a chance to experience the city's live music scene, which has nurtured some of the biggest names in the industry.

Embarking on a walking tour of downtown Atlanta allows you to uncover the captivating history, cultural diversity, and unique charm this city has to offer. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its rich heritage, Atlanta is a city that truly deserves exploration.

Join us on this Look Up America series adventure as we continue to highlight the beauty and wonders of cities across the United States. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we'll explore another fascinating destination that will leave you in awe.

A Walking Tour of Atlanta, Georgia - Downtown (Look Up, America! Series)

by Doug Gelbert(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1241 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way, a downloadable walking tour is ready to explore when you are.

Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets.

In 1837 an army engineer named Colonel Stephen Harriman Long drove a stake into the ground and Atlanta began. A year earlier the Georgia General Assembly had voted to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad to provide a trade route to the Midwest. There had been several contenders to be "Terminus" but surveyor Long apparently liked the relative flatness here to enable trains to turn around comfortably.

The town that grew up on the railroad was first known as Thrasherville when Terminus was abandoned. John Thrasher led a work gang building the railroad and constructed houses and a general store for the workers. In 1842, when the population was about 30, the residents wanted to name the settlement after the sitting government Wilson Lumpkin but he asked them to name it after his daughter, instead, and Terminus became Marthasville. Just three years later, J. Edgar Thomson, the Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad,suggested that it be renamed to "Atlantica-Pacifica," which was quickly shortened to "Atlanta." In 1847 the town was incorporated as Atlanta, shortly after the first trains arrived.

Atlanta had fewer than 10,000 people when it became an important railroad and military supply hub during the Civil War. On November 11, 1864, after a four-month siege, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman ordered the town burned to the ground. The burning of Atlanta would be immortalized in Margaret Mitchell's novel and film, Gone with the Wind, but Atlantans did not waste too much time wallowing in the drama. In 1868, Atlanta became the fifth city to serve as capital of Georgia. By 1870 the population had swelled to over 20,000 and the city was on course to becoming the business and transportation hub of the "New South."

Along the way Atlanta decided to not to cling to its southern traditions in the way that its regional neighbors such as Savannah and Charleston did. Many of its modern downtown buildings sit on lots cleared two or three times of earlier structures. Our walking tour will begin where plenty of heritage buildings remain, however, and that is because they are underground...