Why was Atlanta chosen as capital?

Atlanta was not the first capital of Georgia, but it is the current and longest-serving capital of the state. Here's a brief overview of how and why Atlanta became the capital of Georgia:

Original Capital:

The original capital of Georgia was Savannah, which served as the seat of government from 1777 until 1786. Savannah was chosen due to its strategic location on the Savannah River and its status as a major port city.

Move to Augusta:

In 1786, the capital of Georgia was moved from Savannah to Augusta, another important city located on the Savannah River. Augusta remained the capital for the next 15 years.

Central Location:

In 1806, the Georgia General Assembly decided to move the capital to a more central location within the state. This was primarily driven by the need for a state capital that was more accessible to a majority of the state's population and less vulnerable to attacks from Native American tribes.

Selection of Atlanta:

Atlanta was chosen as the new capital of Georgia due to its strategic location at the crossroads of several major railroad lines. This made it an ideal transportation hub, connecting various regions of the state. Additionally, Atlanta had a growing population and was seen as a promising city for economic growth and development.

Vote and Incorporation:

In 1868, the decision to make Atlanta the permanent capital of Georgia was put to a vote, and Atlanta won by a significant margin. The city was officially incorporated as the capital on December 29, 1868.

Since then, Atlanta has continued to serve as the capital of Georgia, playing a crucial role in the state's political, economic, and cultural development.