Southeast

Atlanta, GA

Capital of Georgia

Known as “The ATL

Georgia State Capitol Building

Overview

Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1837, the city has grown to a population of approximately 498,715 residents within a state of 10,711,908 people. As both the largest city and capital of Georgia, Atlanta serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.

The city is home to the Georgia State Capitol, a Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1889. Designed by Edbrooke and Burnham, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Atlanta has served as the capital of Georgia since 1868. Before Atlanta, the state's capital was located in Savannah, Augusta, Louisville and Milledgeville.

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta is a Renaissance Revival masterpiece crowned with a gold dome gilded with native Dahlonega gold, a tribute to America's first major gold rush. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, the building houses a museum on its fourth floor with exhibits on Georgia's natural and cultural history. The capitol stands as a symbol of the city's rebirth following the Civil War.

Design Inspiration

U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Year Built
1889
Architect
Edbrooke and Burnham
Architectural Style
Renaissance Revival
Dome / Tower Height
237 ft
Building Area
640,000 sq ft
National Register
Listed

Notable Features

  • Gold dome gilded with native Dahlonega gold from north Georgia
  • National Historic Landmark since 1973
  • Fourth-floor museum with Georgia history and natural science exhibits
  • Statue of Miss Freedom atop the dome
  • Hall of Flags featuring historic Georgia and American flags
  • Hall of Fame honoring notable Georgians

Media Gallery

Georgia State Capitol Building

Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.

Fun Facts & Trivia

  • The dome is covered with gold leaf sourced from the mining town of Dahlonega in the north Georgia mountains, site of America's first major gold rush in 1828.
  • Atlanta is the ninth city to serve as Georgia's capital; previous capitals include Savannah, Augusta, Louisville, and Milledgeville.
  • The statue atop the dome is named 'Miss Freedom' and holds a torch and sword.
  • Atlanta's name derives from 'Atlantica-Pacifica,' shortened by a railroad engineer; the city was previously called Terminus and Marthasville.
  • The Georgia Capitol was one of the first state capitols to be designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church are located less than two miles from the capitol.