Cheap 1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Atlanta GA – 1,320 Rentals | Apartments.com

In 1821, settlers began to arrive to what is now Atlanta. Back then, it was a handful of farmers and very little else. But that changed when it was determined that Savannah needed to be connected to the Midwest — enter the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The area that is now Five Points was the location of the railroad terminus, and a small village developed around it.

Creative or not, the name “Terminus” definitely fit, and that became the name of the village. There were 30 people living here in 1842 when the villagers decided to rename their community “Marthasville” after the governor’s daughter. The chief engineer of the railroad apparently didn’t like the name and he suggested renaming it to “Atlantica” after the railroad, which eventually became Atlanta.

Because of its location, Atlanta played a major role in the Civil War, distributing military supplies via the railroad. The Battle of Atlanta took place in July 1864, and General Sherman defeated the Confederates and seized the railroads. The city was burned as Sherman’s troops continued on their March to the Sea. After the war, Atlanta slowly rebuilt. In 1868, the capital was moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta.

You may want to learn more about the city’s history once you’ve moved to an apartment in Atlanta. Start at the Atlanta History Center, which has exhibits on the Civil War and the Olympics and includes two historic houses (the 1928 Swan House and the 1860s Smith Family Farm), the Goizueta Gardens, and a restaurant. Then tour the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum for a truly unique look at the history.

From there, head to the Center for Civil and Human Rights to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement. This museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and artifacts. Finish your history tour at the Margaret Mitchell House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the home where Mitchell wrote Gone with the Wind.

You always have something to do in Atlanta — it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Spend the afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta, head to the Fernbank Museum or the Michael C. Carlos Museum, tour the World of Coca Cola, make some paper at the Institute of Paper and Science Technology, or relax and enjoy the sunshine at Olympic Centennial Park.

The gold dome of the Georgia State Capitol is a major landmark in the city. Get the inside scoop (or just marvel at the architecture) with a guided or self-guided tour. The Georgia Capitol Museum features a variety of historic flags, artwork, and artifacts. While items can be found throughout the building, most exhibits are on the fourth floor.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes the home where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, a visitor center, and the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden. The home offers a ranger-led tour; all of the other sites are self-guided.