Vacations and history Atlanta today: Atlanta, capital of the “Peach State” Georgia, is in almost all respects the principal center of the American South. The city was originally a military outpost, becoming an early railway junction and rapidly developing into an important commercial town. During the Civil War, it was an important Confederate stronghold and supply base but was reduced to rubble when captured by Union General William Sherman. These events became the setting for Atlanta native Margaret Mitchell’s best-selling novel Gone with the Wind, which won her the Pulitzer Prize.
During the American Civil War Atlanta became a supply depot, a site of Southern war industries, and the keystone of Confederate rail transportation east of the Mississippi River. It was thus the prime military objective of General William Tecumseh Sherman’s invasion of Georgia from Chattanooga (see Atlanta Campaign). The city fell to his Union troops on September 1, 1864, and was converted into a military camp. On November 15 Sherman departed on his devastating “March to the Sea,” but not before much of the city had been burned. Discover even more details on Atlanta minimum wage.
Atlanta is simply alive, always evolving and raising the bar on one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come. You can tour the Coca-Cola factory at World of Coca-Cola and find out how one of America’s most iconic beverages is made. Interactive and behind-the-scenes animal encounters at Georgia Aquarium put you right in the action. That’s just a sampling of amazing attractions ready to be discovered. Start exploring our unique blend of activities and prepare to be impressed.
A visit to Zoo Atlanta is another fun family activity to add to your travel itinerary. Founded in 1889, the zoo has, in recent years, undergone a major transformation that has seen it propelled to the top of lists of animal attractions in the USA. Also known as Atlanta Zoo, its central location in Grant Park makes it easy to get to, with the addition of new parking facilities making for a seamless visitor experience. Among its most popular exhibits are an African rainforest area complete with gorillas and monkeys. Other cute creatures include giant pandas in the Asian rainforest section, as well as an aviary, lemurs, and bears. A number of unique experiences are also offered. These include fun after-hours visits, safari camps, and guided tours. A behind-the-scenes animal encounter is also offered and lets you get up close to a variety of creatures in the zoo’s care.
Atlanta conjures up images of Southern charm, hot nights, great food, hip hop, history and more. With all the things to do in this sprawling city, it’s no wonder Atlanta is one of the best cities in America to visit. The nickname “Hotlanta” doesn’t just refer to sweltering summer days and nights, it also reflects the cutting-edge restaurants, acclaimed bars and hotspots that keep people coming back (and staying permanently). Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out the best Atlanta attractions — we’ve got them all right here for you.
Atlanta’s place in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s is marked by a beautifully conceived interpretation center/museum that places this epic struggle into the greater worldwide movement for human rights. The Center for Civil and Human Rights explores the history of Jim Crow laws with actual television newscasts, speeches, photos, videos, personal accounts, and interactive experiences that bring visitors into the struggle. Portraits and stories of their work honor men and women who lost their lives in the struggle. The Human Rights Movement gallery carries the story into the broader picture of human rights worldwide: Apartheid in South Africa, women’s rights, the rights of children and others, inspiring visitors to think about the rights of humans everywhere. Find more details at tipsntoesmn.com.