Early History Of Atlanta Real Estate
Atlanta Real Estate History - Fort Peachtree
Many of the historical experts of Georgia agree that the first important piece of Atlanta real estate was Fort Peachtree. Built in 1814 where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, this fort was used by the army during the War of 1812. At the time the fort was built, the area was on the western edge of America's new frontier and not yet part of the state of Georgia.
The location was a geographic borderline between the Creek Indian lands to the south and Cherokee territories to the north. At this very spot grew a giant peach tree that gave its name to the creek, that gave its name to the main Indian trail, that gave its name to the street, and so on. Today on this site, the Water Department operates a water quality monitoring station.
Atlanta Real Estate History - White Hall Tavern
In 1835 Charner Humphey built a clapboard covered, whitewashed home that served as a tavern and inn. This tavern was located between Decatur and the Montgomery's Ferry, where a small town had begun to form at the intersection of Sandtown and Newnan Roads. Once Charner was able to secure a post office, this area quickly grew into Atlanta's first real estate development.
Atlanta Real Estate History - "Trail Of Tears"
General Winfield Scott arrived in 1838 to force 15,000 Cherokee Indians to abandon their homes and make a forced march to Arkansas. Who knows what the current Atlanta real estate market would look like, if they had not been moved from their homes.
Atlanta Real Estate History - Who Named Atlanta?
Atlanta was named by John E. Thomson, a chief engineer for the Georgia Railroad, in 1845. Speculation about how he came up with the name still exists, but most historians agree that he took the name from Martha Atalanta Lumpkin, who was the daughter of former governor Wilson Lumpkin.
In the same year; railroad service came to the city, the first doctor arrived, the first school was built, and the first newspaper printed. The new train depot is built and becomes the tallest building in town at two stories.
Atlanta Real Estate History -Hotels
The first and second of Atlanta's hotels open in 1846. The "Atlanta Hotel" between Whitehall, Pryor, Decatur, and Wall Streets, and "Washington Hall," facing Loyd (now Central) Street, were both later destroyed in the war.
Atlanta Real Estate History - Jail
The first jail was constructed in 1848, at Pryor and Alabama Streets, to house the many drunks and drifters in the city.
Atlanta Real Estate History - Hospital
In 1853 Atlanta has its first hospital built, its first public school opens (The Holland Free School), and a central market on Market Street.
As you can see, Atlanta real estate has a rich and colorful history.
