A guide to some popular museums and historil sites in Atlanta Georgia.
When visiting Atlanta, a tour of the historical homes and surrounding plantations is a fascinating way to discover local history. Atlanta has preserved many of these historic sites for visitors to explore the unique history of the city and its people.
The Margaret Mitchell House was built in 1899 and was the home of Pulitzer Prize winning author Margaret Mitchell when she wrote "˜Gone with the Wind'. The home includes the rooms she shared with her husband and numerous letters Mitchell wrote to family members and friends. A museum added to the home includes many artifacts from the film version of "˜Gone with the Wind'.
The Martin Luther King Jr. historical site encompasses an area of several blocks where the civil rights leader lived through much of his young life. This small neighborhood, also know as "˜Sweet Auburn' has a history rich in African American culture and was designated a national landmark in the early 70s.
The neighborhood of Inman Park is a remarkable look at life in the 19th century. Inman Park includes an entire neighborhood dedicated to preserving the homes in their original 19th century construction. A tour of the area includes many examples of Victorian architecture and historical markers commemorating civil war events.
Grant Park is another place devoted to preserving Atlanta's heritage. At the center of this park, you will find the Grant Mansion, built in 1853 by Lemuel Grant. The park encompasses over 130 acres of land that include numerous civil war landmarks as well as the Zoo Atlanta. The Cyclorama is a unique look into the civil war and The Battle of Atlanta, involving the largest known civil war painting that revolves while highlighting key points of the battle. For those interested in outdoor activities, hiking trails and gardens can be found throughout the park.
A trip to the Atlanta History Center helps bring the past and present together with local exhibits and cultural events. The Turning Point is a permanent exhibit on display at the museum that details the civil war in its entirety on a remarkable scale. Swan House, also located at the History Center, is a look at high society life in the 1920s. Built in 1928 for the influential Inman family, it still includes the original furnishings and collections. The home is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and fountains designed by famed architect Philip Shutz.
One of the most popular museums in Atlanta is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. It initially began as a way to preserve the old Fernbank Forest, nearly 70 acres of ancient forest and wildlife. The later additions of a science center and public museum help people discover the origins of Atlanta and its native wildlife. Permanent exhibitions include prehistoric life in Georgia and a remarkable dinosaur exhibit.
The World of Coca Cola is a fun museum devoted to one of the most popular soft drinks ever. Coca Cola was originally created and sold in Atlanta over a century ago and the exhibits here show the how the drink progressed over the years until Coca Cola became a household name. Fully interactive, this museum is something every visitor to Atlanta should experience.
Atlanta Georgia often conjures up images of plantations and southern civil war life, a simpler time where southern charm and hospitality were commonplace. Luckily, travelers today can enjoy this same charm through the many well-preserved historical sites and museums Atlanta has to offer.
