Historic Places

The beauty and intrigue of historic Atlanta sites and landmarks reminds visitors of the city’s past amid a thriving urban setting. From historic African-American colleges and universities to the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta’s past is at every corner. Enjoy guided tours and shopping along six blocks of Underground Atlanta or catch a show at the historic Fox Theatre. Historic restaurants in Atlanta, shopping districts, parks, museums and antebellum homes will make a walk through Atlanta’s history an unforgettable experience.

	Atlanta University Center and Historic West End The West End historic district of Atlanta holds the country's largest concentration of African-American colleges and is often referred to as the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The AUC is comprised of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College. It is home to the Clark Atlanta University Art Gallery, Morehouse Chapel, Morehouse School of Medicine's National Center for Primary Care, and the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. The Historic West End community dates back to the 1830s and features restored period homes and Victorian cottages. Museums in the area include Hammonds House Galleries, known for its exhibitions of African-American and Haitian art, and The Wren's Nest, home of Joel Chandler Harris who wrote the Uncle Remus stories.
	Georgia State Capitol Georgia native gold tops the dome of the Georgia State Capitol. This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collection of Georgia's state flags. 60-90 minute tours are available.
	Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site & Sweet Auburn District The area of Sweet Auburn served as the thriving center of Black enterprise in Atlanta from the 1890s through the 1940s, and is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, explore his birth home, visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center, where Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize is on exhibit. The crypt and gravesite of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are also located at The King Center.
	Underground Atlanta Six city blocks have been transformed into a spirited marketplace that offers historic guided tours, more than 100 specialty stores, Kenny's Alley, the trendy hangout with exciting nightlife and restaurants, street-cart merchants and annual events. The Peach Drop, the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the Southeast, St Patrick's Day Festival, and Heritage Arts Festival are just a few of the special events that take place.
	The Fox Theatre This opulent historic landmark presents shows by Broadway in Atlanta and Theater of the Stars, as well as a Summer Movie series. And, one of the nation's premier professional ballet companies, the Atlanta Ballet, performs its holiday season favorite “The Nutcracker.”
	Margaret Mitchell House Margaret Mitchell House is the three-story Tudor Revival mansion in Midtown where author Margaret Mitchell lived from 1925 to 1932 and wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone With The Wind. The House offers tours, a museum and museum shop, as well as a literature series that showcases Southern authors.
	Walking Tours Midtown walking tours are available for visitors in Atlanta, from historic neighborhoods to prominent buildings. The Atlanta Preservation Center offers guided walking tours of neighborhoods such as Ansley Park and The Fox Theatre, one of the few remaining exotic movie palaces of the 1920s.
	Millennium Gate The Millennium Gate is a new, classically designed monument in Atlantic Station. Winner of the prestigious 2006 Palladio Award for design of a public space, Millennium Gate showcases world-class architecture, art and history in an intimate gallery setting and beautiful grounds.
	Piedmont Park Atlanta's Central Park, Piedmont Park, with more than 180 acres, is situated between 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue and is joined with the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Experience lush woods, Lake Clara Meer, picnic spots, skating paths and many annual events.
	William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Through its exhibitions, publications and resources, this museum of the Atlanta Jewish Federation explores Jewish heritage in general and how it relates to other cultures and religions. It contains two permanent galleries and hosts special rotating exhibits.
	Atlanta History Center This Buckhead attraction features 32 acres of gardens, wildlife trails and woodland areas. The complex includes the 1840s Tullie Smith Farm, a fully restored 1928 Swan House mansion and Swan Coach House restaurant. The museum features exhibitions on subjects such as the Civil War, African-American heritage and Southern folk art. The Atlanta History Center includes a wing dedicated to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
	Fernbank Museum of Natural History Come face to face with the world's largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibits and enjoy the incredible 5-story experience of an IMAX® film. Don't miss Martinis & IMAX®, Atlanta's perfect mix of culture and cocktails offered every Friday (January - November).
	Jimmy Carter Library and Museum The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is an opportunity to learn about the life and work of the 39th president. Walk into an exact replica of the Oval Office, see exquisite state gifts and special exhibits, and trace President Carter's life from his 6th grade report card to the actual Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him in 2002.
	Marietta Historic District Take a walking or driving tour of Marietta's five National Register Historic Districts. Visit the square, with specialty and antique shops, nightspots, restaurants, Theater in the Square and Glover Park. Tour three heritage museums with the Marietta Heritage Passport or take a ride through history on the Historic Marietta Trolley.
	Roswell Historic District Take a walking tour of Roswell starting at the Historic Roswell Visitors Center or tour the antebellum homes such as Bulloch Hall, the childhood home of former United States President Theodore Roosevelt's mother, or Smith Plantation built in 1845 and fully furnished in period pieces belonging to the original family.
	Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain Park is home to the world's largest piece of exposed granite rock and is the state's most visited attraction. With more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the park offers families recreational activities, special events, lodging and camping. Plus, new in 2008 is Sky Hike, the largest family adventure course in the treetops. Also see the Skyride, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, The Great Barn, Scenic Railroad, Ride the Ducks, Great Locomotive Adventure, Golf, museums and the 1870s town of Crossroads® which includes live shows, craft demonstrations, shopping and dining.