Old South

Atlanta is the capital of the American state Georgia and is often called "the capital of the New South". It's a significant economic center of the South East of USA. Now Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities and it's population has almost reached 4 millions.Atlanta was founded in 1837 at the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad. During Civil War in 1860s the city became one of the centers of the resistance of the South, the heart of Confederacy. In XX century it attracted attention due to the activity of Martin Luter King and his fight for civil rights.

Atlanta is one of the first cities in US where an afro-american was elected a mayor. Now the symbol of the Old South is becoming more and more contemporary-looking with skyscrapers and the headquarters of the international companies.Atlanta has a lot of attractions and the Olympic Games of 1996 contributed to this list a lot. Centennial Olympic Park and Fountain of Rings built for the games are among the most visited places in the city.

Atlanta is a city with intense cultural life, its Symphonic orchestra is world-known. Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art should be your must-see if you are fond of art and theater.A city with interesting history, Atlanta has a lot of historical places devoted to its most famous citizens - The Margaret Mitchell House (where lived the author of "Gone with wind"), Martin Luther King, Jr.

National Historic Site, Carter Presidential Center and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.CNN Center is also among places attracting a big amount of visitors. Tourists have an opportunity to make an excursion throughout the whole complex, to see its studios, presenters and to contemplate the working process.

Atlanta is a home to one of the most famous corporations on the Earth ? Coca Cola. In Coca-Cola Museum you will learn the history of this drink and to taste coca coal from different countries (will you feel the difference?).Another interesting place in Atlanta is Underground Atlanta ? a district with shops, restaurants, night clubs located below the street level. Buckhead district is a home to one of the most beautiful renaissance style residences on the whole South - Governor's Mansion is known for its refined gardens and furniture.

Atlanta has a very beautiful nature - the Atlanta Botanical Garden keeps the best samples of its plants. Zoo Atlanta can boast the unique examples of the Chinese pandas. The zoo is situated on the territory of Grant Park. Nearby lies Cyclorama ? world biggest panoramic picture representing Atlanta Battle of 1864.Stone Mountain Park is an ideal place to take a rest from the city's bustle.

Here you can also see a huge granite bas-relief in honor to the warriors of Confederacy.

By: Constance Blair