Why Atlanta, Not a Coastal City Like Savannah, Emerged as the Largest City in Georgia
Atlanta, the bustling metropolis in the heart of Georgia, may be the largest city in the state, dominating the economic and cultural landscape. However, it has a storied history that predated its coastal neighbor, Savannah. Understanding why Atlanta emerged as the dominant force over a coastal city like Savannah requires a dive into the rich history and pivotal moments that shaped the South's largest city.
The Nineteenth Century: A Time of Mercantile Hub Growth
Atlanta began its journey as a humble mercantile hub, with a population of around 10,000 in the pre-Civil War era. This region was far from the bustling coastal cities like Savannah, with its larger population of 23,000 residents at the time. Augusta, the second-largest city at 12,000, also competed for prominence, but it was Atlanta that held a significant advantage. What set Atlanta apart was its strategic location.
Strategic Railways and Transportation Hubs
Comparatively, Atlanta had four major railroads that connected the city to other significant cities in the South, such as Birmingham, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Columbia, Augusta, Mobile, and Montgomery. These railways played a crucial role in Atlanta's growth. As Sherman's troops marched through the South during the Civil War, Atlanta's strategic location became even more vital. The city's importance as a transportation hub increased with each passing day. After the destruction of Atlanta by Union forces, the city quickly rebuilt and continued to grow due to its central position and further expansions in railway infrastructure.
Geographic Advantages and Health Benefits
Atlanta's location conferred several advantages. Unlike coastal Savannah, which was constrained by the coast and the Savannah River, Atlanta was situated at the base of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a relatively cooler climate. This avoided the subtropical diseases that plagued coastal areas. Additionally, being situated in the center of the state meant that citizens could reach Atlanta within a day’s travel from any direction, making it a prime location for the state capital. Furthermore, Atlanta's vast expanses of undeveloped land provided ample opportunity for expansion, unlike coastal areas where development was limited.
The Power of Transportation
The railway's importance did not fade with time. In fact, it evolved and expanded. Highways and then interstate highways followed, connecting Atlanta with a network of 20 east-west routes, Interstate 75 going northwest to southeast, Interstate 85 going northeast to southwest, and Interstate 485 encircling the city. Atlanta also boasts the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which significantly boosted its status as a transportation hub. Economically, the transportation centered in Atlanta attracted various industries, including banking, real estate, film, music, and apparel design.
Diversified Economy and Education Hub
Atlanta's economy diversified over time. It has become a center for various industries, including healthcare, film production, and secondary education. Major universities like Georgia Tech and Emory University contribute significantly to this growth. Additionally, the film industry has taken off, with the Georgia Film Center promoting the state's booming film and television production sector.
Conclusion
Atlanta's rise to prominence is a testament to strategic location, early infrastructural investments, and resilience in the face of adversity. Unlike Savannah, which was constrained by its geography and size, Atlanta's central location and strong transportation network enabled it to become the largest city in Georgia. Today, Atlanta continues to thrive, serving as a nexus of commerce, culture, and education for the Southeastern United States.