5 Surprising Facts About Atlanta You Never Knew

The Jewel of the South is the largest, most cosmopolitan city in all the American Southeast. It’s home to Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Braves, and some of the finest soul food you can find. However, there are also a ton of things you probably didn’t know about the city. Here are just a few to cure your curiosity.

The City Burned to the Ground

One of the most pivotal moments of the Civil War occurred in Atlanta. In 1864, as Union troops approached the city, Confederate soldiers set fire to a munitions site, effectively setting off a massive explosion that decimated Atlanta. In the movie “Gone With the Wind,” this is one of the famous re-creations of the destruction. It took decades to rebuild the city, but Atlanta eventually became one of the finest cities in the country.

Home of the Busiest Airport in the World

When you think of travel, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta doesn’t exactly come to your mind. However, it’s actually the busiest airport in the world, serving over 85 million passengers a year. The reason for so much traffic is that Delta Airlines’ primary hub is Atlanta, offering over 1,000 flights a day to numerous domestic and international destinations. So, if you ever have a layover in Atlanta, make sure you have time to make it to your gate.

It’s a Hip Hop Mecca

Whether you’re into hip hop or not, it’s important to note that many famous artists call Atlanta home. Some of these artists include Ludacris, Outkast, Jermaine Dupri, Young Joc, and Sleepy Brown. While it’s not quite clear if these artists will withstand the test of time, they’ve definitely made their mark on popular music and are influential to artists even today.

There’s Tons of Shopping

Second only to Chicago, Atlanta has the highest amount of shopping and retail space in the country. Depending on your tastes and what you want to buy, Atlanta has you covered. From the Mall of Georgia — the 14th largest mall in the country, to the expensive boutique stores downtown, Atlanta survived the collapse of many retail stores (due to online shopping). It’s definitely a throwback to an older era.

One of the Best Sports Cities in the Country

It’s easy to note that Atlanta has sports franchises in the three biggest sports: baseball, basketball, and football. But, did you also consider the local colleges and other sporting events that take place in the city? Georgia Tech brings thousands of fans a year to its basketball and football games, and its rivalry against the University of Georgia is one of the oldest and most-watched events in the state of Georgia. In addition, Atlanta hosted two Super Bowls, currently hosts the SEC Championship Football Game, and has various local tournaments throughout the year.

When you visit Atlanta, it’s almost impossible to see all the things the city has to offer. It’s also difficult to realize the sheer amount of history and culture. So, the next time you’re in town, make a list, and you won’t be disappointed.