Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

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Atlanta is the capital and largest city of Georgia, a state of the United States of America. It is the county seat of Fulton County, although a portion of the city (the 1909 annex) is located in DeKalb County. According to the latest census estimates (as of December, 2004), the city had a population of 425,000 and the fast-growing Atlanta metropolitan area totaled 4,708,297, making it the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the 41st-largest city proper. Atlanta is arguably a poster-child for cities worldwide experiencing rapid urban sprawl, population growth, and commercial development. As a result, Atlanta is a common case study for college students who study Urban Geography around the globe.

Related Topics:
Georgia - State - United States of America - County seat - Fulton County - 1909 - Annex - DeKalb County - Census - 2004 - Population - Atlanta metropolitan area - Sprawl

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Atlanta's development began in the early 19th century as a railroad hub. It was largely destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War, but recovered in time to be chosen the state capital shortly thereafter. In the 20th century, Atlanta was a center for the American Civil Rights Movement and served as the host city for the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics.

Related Topics:
19th century - Civil War - 20th century - American Civil Rights Movement - 1996 Summer Olympics

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One of the city's nicknames, "The Phoenix City", relates to its rise after the Civil War. The phoenix appears in many of Atlanta's symbols, including its seal and flag. In the 1940s and 1950s, former Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield called Atlanta "The City Too Busy to Hate". In addition, it has also been called the "New York of the South" in response to one of Georgia's own nicknames, "The Empire State of the South." Atlanta may also be known as ATL, a colloquialism for the city (also the code for the airport).

Related Topics:
Phoenix - 1940s - 1950s - William B. Hartsfield - Colloquialism - Code

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Atlanta is circled by Interstate 285, which has come to delineate the interior of the city from the surrounding suburbs. This has given rise to calling residents inside the "Perimeter" (local parlance for I-285) as ITP (Inside the Perimeter) and those in the suburbs OTP (Outside the Perimeter). The Perimeter is Atlanta's equivalent to the Capital Beltway around Washington, DC.

Related Topics:
Interstate 285 - Capital Beltway - Washington, DC

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Atlanta has such a great economic impact on the state and the surrounding region that cities and towns up to 60 miles away are considered 'exurbs', defined by the fact that people depend on their livelihoods by commuting to work in the city, rapidly growing what is called Metro Atlanta.

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Based on statistics reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta was the nation's third most dangerous American city in 2004. The designation is based on crime statistics in six categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and auto theft. http://www.morganquitno.com/cit05pop.htm#25

Related Topics:
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Murder - Rape - Robbery - Aggravated assault - Burglary - Auto theft

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