Experience the vibrant history of Atlanta through its treasures in this enjoyable, richly illustrated book.

The city of Atlanta, Georgia’s captivating story comes to life in this fascinating volume—from the railroad’s Zero Mile Post signifying the city’s birth as a transportation city to the glittering disco ball from the dance club Backstreet. Atlanta is uniquely distinguished as both a symbol of the crisis of the American Civil War and the cradle of its Civil Rights Movement. Drawn from the Atlanta History Center’s century of collecting, this book celebrates 100 artifacts that illustrate the compelling accounts of those who lived Atlanta’s past, create its present, and build its future. Objects include an early Coca-Cola bottle from the company’s birthplace, stoneware jars by the enslaved potter David Drake, and the road-worn shoes of civil rights activist Ralph David Abernathy Sr. Published in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Atlanta History Center, the book also accompanies an exhibition opening at the museum in April 2026.

About The Author

Amy Durrell and Lisa Flaherty are cofounders of History Afoot Atlanta, providing historical tours of Atlanta. Both are graduates of Georgia State University’s Master of Heritage Preservation program with a focus on public history.