The Atlanta skyline at night.
Up next in our CityLove series: Atlanta, a city that holds true to its motto of resurgens -- Latin for "rising again." Atlanta is a city of constant growth and new beginnings: railroad town, higher-education center, state capital, commerce center, Summer Olympics site, and modern-day global city. When researching Atlanta, two major themes emerged.
The Swan House, at the Atlanta History Center, was designed by Philip Trammell Shutze in the 1920s, and is named for its many swan designs.
A city with rich history: Founded in 1837, Atlanta has seen incredible growth in population and infrastructure, and its buildings and neighborhoods reflect this ongoing metamorphosis. A great starting point for discovering this rich history is the Atlanta History Center, which includes two historic homes, 22 acres of gardens and trails, and the Kenan Research Center.
Interested in the Civil War? Check out the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, which includes a massive painting and diorama in-the-round depicting the Battle of Atlanta.
Atlanta's 4,678-seat Fox Theatre, which was designed for movies and live performances, replicates an Arabian courtyard, complete with a night sky of 96 embedded crystal "stars" -- a third of which flicker -- and a projection of clouds that slowly drift across the "sky."
Documenting Atlanta's role in the Civil Right Movement is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes the boyhood home of Dr. King and his final resting place. What's more, in the near future, Atlanta will be the site of the future National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Another major history attraction is the Jimmy Carter Center and Presidential Library, where one can see a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. And a visit to Atlanta wouldn't be complete without a trip to the fabulous Fox Theatre, which helped jump-start Atlanta's historic preservation efforts.
A city reinventing itself: Burned to the ground by General Sherman during his March to the Sea in 1864, Atlanta is a city that has reinvented itself, a theme that continues today. One example is the Beltline, the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in the city.
A current work in progress, the former rail corridor will eventually form a loop around Atlanta's core, with 22 miles of pedestrian-friendly rail transit, 33 miles of multi-use trails, 1,300 acres of parks, roughly 5,600 units of affordable housing, and 1,100 acres of remediated brownfields.
The Sweet Auburn historic district is dominated by Auburn Avenue, which was once known as "the richest Negro street in the world." Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, Sweet Auburn is an example of the flourishing segregated neighborhoods founded by African Americans during the Jim Crow era in the South.
All throughout Atlanta, neighborhoods are undergoing transformations and are recognizing the value of historic preservation. The Sweet Auburn Historic District is one of our National Treasures, and other communities include Virginia Highlands, Midtown, and Ansley Park. (Insider tip: The Atlanta Preservation Center offers walking tours of many of these neighborhoods.)
Another project that caught our eye was Dashboard Co-op, who produces temporary art exhibitions in vacant Atlanta properties. Of the 12 exhibitions they have hosted in vacant properties since 2010, 11 of those spaces now house thriving businesses.
Curious about getting involved with the local preservation groups? We recommend starting with the Atlanta Preservation Center -- which just completed their annual Phoenix Flies event -- or the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, which does work statewide.
Let us know your Atlanta must-sees in the comments below!
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.