Welcome to Marietta, Georgia – a bustling suburb in the greater Atlanta metro area known for its historic downtown, rich history, and vibrant community. With attractions ranging from Civil War sites to art museums, Marietta offers something for everyone.
From its beautiful scenery and numerous parks to its popular restaurants and shops, Marietta is a great place to live and visit. So, what is Marietta known for? Here we’ll take a look at some of the most popular attractions, activities, and events in Marietta that make it so special.
Interesting & Unknown Facts About Marietta, GA
1. Marietta was initially known as Terminus and later as Thrasherville, named after local landowner Wilson S. Thrasher.
2. In 1843 the town was renamed for the daughter of former US General, John Glover.
3. Marietta is home to the portion of the original Georgia Railroad, which served as a major transportation link between the state’s capital, Milledgeville, and the coastal city of Savannah.
4. Georgia’s State Capitol Building was built in Marietta between 1884 and 1889.
5. Marietta was the first incorporated town in the state of Georgia, established in 1854.
6. The first Female College in the state was founded in Marietta in 1876.
7. The Chattahoochee River is actually five distinct reservoirs that go through Marrietta, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
8. Marietta is the home to the Dobbins Air Reserve Base, which has been in operation since 1941.
9. The Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Museum of History is said to date the city’s history back to pre-historic times, making it one of the oldest towns in the state.
10. In 1864 Marietta was the site of the first major Civil War battle in the state, known as the Battle of Marietta.
What is Marietta, GA known for
- Historic Downtown Marietta: Marietta’s historic downtown is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a charming town square, boutique shops, restaurants, and museums.
- Marietta Square Market: The Marietta Square Market is a food hall featuring various local vendors and artisanal food options. It’s a popular destination for foodies and offers a wide variety of cuisine.
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a historic site where the Civil War’s Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits.
- Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum: The Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum is a museum dedicated to the famous novel and movie. The museum features costumes, props, and memorabilia related to the book and movie.
- Marietta Museum of History: The Marietta Museum of History showcases the history of Marietta and Cobb County. It has a collection of artifacts and exhibits highlighting the area’s history and culture.
- Marietta National Cemetery: The Marietta National Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Marietta. It’s the final resting place for over 20,000 military veterans, including those from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
- Glover Park: Glover Park is located in the heart of Marietta’s historic district and is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and community events.
- Six Flags White Water: Six Flags White Water is a water park located in Marietta. It features water slides, pools, and other water attractions, making it a popular destination for families during the summer months.
- Marietta Square Farmers Market: The Marietta Square Farmers Market is a weekly market held on the town square. It features local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal food products.
- Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History: The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is a museum dedicated to the Civil War and railroad history. It has a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and a restored locomotive.
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Things to do in Marietta, GA
There are plenty of things to do in Marietta, GA! Here are some popular activities and attractions:
- Visit the Marietta Square: Marietta’s historic town square is a charming area with restaurants, shops, and museums. Check out the Marietta Museum of History, the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum, or take a stroll around the square.
- Explore Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: This national park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical exhibits related to the Civil War. It’s a great spot for outdoor recreation and history buffs.
- Take a tour of the Marietta Fire Museum: The Marietta Fire Museum is a historic fire station that offers tours and educational exhibits about firefighting history and equipment.
- Check out the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art: This museum features contemporary art exhibits, classes, and workshops. It’s a great spot for art enthusiasts and families.
- Enjoy a performance at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre: The Strand Theatre is a historic venue that hosts concerts, plays, and movie screenings. It’s a great spot for a night out.
- Attend the Marietta Farmers Market: Held on Saturdays, the Marietta Farmers Market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal food products. It’s a great spot to support local vendors and enjoy the community atmosphere.
- Visit the Gone with the Wind Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous novel and movie and features costumes, props, and memorabilia related to the story. It’s a must-visit for fans of the book or movie.
- Spend a day at Six Flags White Water: This water park offers water slides, pools, and other water attractions, making it a fun spot for families during the summer months.
- Take a brewery tour: Marietta has several craft breweries that offer tours and tastings. Check out Red Hare Brewing Company, Ironmonger Brewing, or Glover Park Brewery.
- Explore Marietta National Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for over 20,000 military veterans, including those from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on history and pay respects to those who served our country.
History & Information of Marietta, GA
Marietta, Georgia is a city in Cobb County, located northwest of Atlanta. It is the county seat and a major suburb of Atlanta. The city was first settled in 1824, when it was named in honor of Mary, the wife of the United States Senator Thomas Cobb. Marietta was formally incorporated in 1834, and is the oldest permanent settlement in Cobb County. The 1950s and 1960s saw major growth in the area, with the formation of many neighborhoods, schools, public services and amenities.
Marietta is home to many attractions, from the beautiful Marietta Square to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which protects a Civil War memorial site. Marietta is also known for its thriving arts and culture scene, with several art galleries, museums, performing arts venues, and special annual events.
The economy of the city is based primarily on technology and manufacturing. Marietta is the base of operations for manufacturing and technology companies, including Lockheed Martin, the National Security Agency, and Northrop Grumman. The city also hosts a variety of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, such as Olde Towne Square and the Marietta Museum of History.
Marietta is known for its strong commitment to education, and is home to several colleges and universities, including Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, and Life University. It also serves as the center of education for the surrounding area, with a variety of public and private schools. The city of Marietta is well known for its community spirit and its commitment to honoring the past and embracing the future.