Atlanta

Atlanta Capital of Georgia, USA, in the nw centre of the state. The land was ceded to Georgia in 1821 by the Creek and was settled in 1833. The city was founded in 1837 at the e end of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Originally called Terminus, it became Marthasville (1843) and Atlanta in 1845. It served as a Confederate supply depot and communications centre during the American Civil War. On September 2, 1864, it fell to General Sherman, whose army razed the city. Atlanta rapidly rebuilt and soon recovered its importance as a transport and cotton manufacturing centre. It became the permanent state capital in 1887. In the late 20th century, Atlanta became a major US city. It is the headquarters of Coca Cola. It contains the High Museum of Art and Emory University (founded 1836). Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Despite a bomb and complaints about public transport provisions, the Games were a success. Industries: textiles, chemicals, iron and steel, electronics. Pop. (2000) 416,474.