Marietta Local History

Before there was an Atlanta or a Chattanooga there was Marietta, Georgia. A small cluster of homes near the Cherokee town of Kennesaw were reported as early as 1824. An early road in what would become Cobb County crossed the "Shallow Ford" of the Chattahoochee and ran just south of these settlers. In 1837 The Georgia Gazetteer reported that the city of Marietta was named for Cobb's wife. The Georgia legislature legally recognized the town on December 19, 1834, but by that time a sizeable community already existed. In 1836 the state assembly approved a bill creating the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Colonel Stephen Long, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, was chosen to head the project and he selected Marietta as home base.

By 1838 roadbed and trestles had been built north of the city. Construction continued until 1840 when Long quit, having been criticized by politicians for being too slow. On February 7, 1842 Charles Fenton Mercer Garnett took over, using the area that would become Atlanta as his base. The Western and Atlantic began to operate from Atlanta to Adairsville in 1845 and through to Chattanooga in 1850. Tanyards became a thriving business and, coupled with railroad-related revenue, made up a major portion of the city's business income.

During the 1850s fire destroyed much of the city on three occasions. By the time the Civil War began in 1861, Marietta had recovered from the fires and was booming. During the summer of 1864, forces under the command of William Tecumseh Sherman moved in and occupied the town. For the next five months, federal troops would pillage by day and ravage by night. In 30 years as a town Marietta had seen more history than most towns see in a century. Today Marietta is a commercial hub of north Georgia.

Marietta Attractions

Top Attractions

Marietta Shopping

Dupre's Antique Market - 17 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 428 2667. This is Marietta's largest antique mall and it features 90 dealer spaces in a 14,000 square foot showroom offering a wide range of high quality products including antique furniture, jewellery, glassware, collectibles, porcelain, clocks, and decorative accessories. This is the perfect place to loose yourself in the beauty of times gone by.

Helen's Hallmark & Collectibles - 2167 Roswell Road, Located in the East Lake Shopping Centre, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 912 829. This 5,000 square foot store features over 30 lines of collectibles, such as Precious Moments, Century Circle, and Cherished Teddies, as well as unique souvenirs, patriotic gifts, collegiate gift items, Christmas ornaments, and home decorations. It is one of the largest collectible centres in the Southeast.

Church Street Market - 131 Church Street, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 499 9393. This charming shop offers the taste of the South and specializes in native Georgia gourmet food products. They also offer herb baskets, fresh cut garden flowers, heirloom vegetable and flower seeds, home and kitchen accessories, yard art, birdhouses, and willow furniture.

Marietta Activities

Mountasia of Marietta - 175 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 422 7227. This family fun park features three beautifully landscaped miniature golf courses with challenging obstacles and lagoons to test your skills. You can choose from the Zebra, Giraffe or Elephant courses. The park also offers bumper boats, a go-kart speedway, and a game room filled with over 50 video and redemption games. Hours of Operation: Golf and Games Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 9 PM, Friday 12 PM - 11 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 11 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 9 PM. Speedway and Bumper Boats Monday - Thursday, 5 PM - 9 PM, Friday 5 PM - 10 PM, Saturday 12 PM - 10 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 9 PM.

American Adventures - 250 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 948 9290. American Adventures has rides designed especially for families with kids under 12. The many rides on offer include the Rio Grande Railroad, American Revolution Tilt-A-Whirl, Turn of the Century Scrambler, and Main Street Bumper Cars. The Foam Factory is a 40,000 square foot indoor play area with foam balls, launchers, turbo blasters, targets, turrets and more. Admission: Fun Pass $15.00, kids under 36" $5.00 and parents with child $5.00. Visit the website: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/aadventures/index.asp for more details.

Marietta Parks & Gardens

Brumby Hall & Garden - Located on Grounds of Marietta Conference Centre, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 427 2500. Listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, this Antebellum Greek Revival house has been fully restored and features five beautiful rooms, as well as a solarium, with all rooms beautifully furnished with antique and period furniture.

Two acres of picture-perfect formal gardens surround the home which is perfect for special occasion events. The gardens at Historic Brumby Hall features year-round seasonal bloom that peaks during the spring and summer months. Two of the larger gardens surrounding Brumby Hall are the Topiary and the Perennial Gardens.

Marietta Restaurants and Bars

Marietta Restaurants

1848 House - 780 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 428 1848. The antebellum 1848 House in Marietta is a tranquil escape, for those who are tired of trendy settings and cuisine of the hectic pace of the city. The family-owned and operated restaurant offers a Southern dining experience in exquisite and unique surroundings. It is situated on 13 beautifully landscaped acres in an authentic plantation home which is listed on the National Historic Register. The restaurant features eleven different, authentically furnished dining rooms and the menu is filled with delightful Southern dishes. They are open ever night for dinner and serve a Jazz brunch on Sundays.

Efe's Mediterranean Grille - 113 North Park Square, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 419 0159. For a completely different experience in the South, pay a visit to this romantic, casual restaurant which offers an extensive menu of authentic and traditional Mediterranean cuisine. It is complemented by a full bar service and nightly belly dancing. They are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Tiffany's Tea Room - 21 West Park Square, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 21T-TIME. Overlooking the historic Marietta Square, this quaint tea room is open daily for lunch and they serve an array of gourmet, homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, all with a European and French flare.

LaTeaDa's - 137 Church Street, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 426 7000. Specialzing in authentic teas, sandwiches, and desserts, this adorable tea room also offers etiquette classes and is the perfect setting for any special occasion or event. Reservations are preferred and groups are invited. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch only; closed on Mondays.

Marietta Bars & Clubs

Beale Street Pub - 188 Garrison Road, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 426 6307. This charming pub is known for serving some of the best barbecue in Marietta. They also have an outdoor patio, a full bar service, and free live music is provided every night. They are open Monday through Saturday for dinner only; closed on Sundays.

Hemingway's Tropical Bar & Grill - 29 West Park Square, Located on the Historic Downtown Square, Marietta, GA Tel (770) 427 5445. For food, fun, and live entertainment in an enchanting Key West atmosphere, be sure to visit this bar and grill. The restaurant serves dishes such as burgers, specialty sandwiches, appetizers, chicken dishes, seafood, and specialty salads daily for lunch and dinner.