Marietta History

The town of Marietta predates major Southern cities like Atlanta and Chattanooga. As early as 1824, settlement could be found near the Cherokee town of Kennesaw. After the Cherokee and other Indian tribes were forcibly evacuated from the area in the 1830’s, the state of Georgia formed 10 counties from these former Indian lands. Cobb County was named after Thomas Willis Cobb, US Congressman, Senator and Supreme Court judge. According to many accounts, Marietta is named for Cobb’s wife. The Georgia legislature recognized Marietta as a town in December of 1834, a full 17 years before Atlanta was recognized by the same body. At the time of Marietta’s establishment, a sizable community had been in existence for some time. With the first plat laid out in 1833 and the construction of the town square (still extant today), Marietta was well on its way to attracting more growth in the coming years.

The railroad steamed into the Marietta a few years later. With the creation of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Marietta became the home base for construction efforts. This traffic of goods and workers prompted more business to spring up in the Marietta town square. 1851 saw the founding of the Georgia Military Institute a mile away from the town square. After a spate of fires nearly destroying the town, Marietta grew in spite of these setbacks. The first bank opened in the city in 1855.

At the onset of the Civil War in 1861, Marietta was a prosperous city, and the site of some notable Civil War events. In 1862, James Andrews and a group of Union sympathizers called the “Raiders” met at Marietta Station to board a train they would later commandeer with the aim to disrupt railroad traffic on the Western & Atlantic Railroad, a vital piece of infrastructure for the Confederates. The Raiders successfully took control of the train, known as The General, much to the bewilderment of the passengers who were to re-board the train at Big Shanty (now known as Kennesaw). This began a 50 mile chase that has been dramatically recreated over the years and is referred to as “The Great Locomotive Chase.” This “Chase” was the inspiration for the comedic Buster Keaton film, The General. Marietta was also occupied by Union forces during Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.”

Marietta Parks & Recreation

With 18 parks and a variety of amenities, Marietta Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department offer the perfect place to play and enjoy nature. From 25-acre Laurel Park to a butterfly garden in Monarch Park, there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy in Marietta.

Glover Park
This park features a gazebo, fountain, stage, playground, landscaping, park benches, concerts and festivals. Park facilities are available for weddings. Shopping, restaurants, museums and theaters are within walking distance.

Lewis Park
This 6.7-acre park features a playground, 4 lighted tennis courts, a walking trail, picnic tables, a dog park, pet station with plastic bags and softball field.

For a complete list of parks in the area click here

Marietta Local Events

Marietta has a full calendar of local events, many of which take place in the town’s square. Enjoy open-air markets, live theatre and art and antiques in the heart of Marietta!

 Marietta Square Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 9 to Noon, enjoy fresh, locally grown produce at the Marietta Square Farmers Market. Open from May to August.

Theatre in The Square
This local professional theatre group produces a five-show subscription season as well as summer and holiday shows. Running year-round, Theatre In The Square is one of the Southeast's most respected regional arts institutions, consistently ranked as one of Georgia's top professional theatres. The theatre is housed in a former cotton warehouse in which the 225-seat Main Stage and the smaller, 120-seat Alley Stage reside.

The theatre is a community-based, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of civic leaders from the metro-Atlanta/Cobb County area. It is largely responsible for the revitalization of the Marietta Square, with a $7.3-million economic impact on Cobb County.

Annual Art in the Park
Held each Labor Day weekend, Marietta’s Annual Art in the Park festival consists of a juried fine art show as well as an art sale in Glover Park. Paintings, photography, pottery, graphics, sculptures, jewelry and a variety of works in other media will be on display. Children will love the Interactive Art Alley, full of “make and take” art stations.

Marietta Antique Street Festival
This annual festival attracts over 75 quality antique dealers from around Georgia. Items for sale include unique collector's items to fine furniture and home decorations. Also see glass, porcelains, linens, bottles and collectibles. A classic car show is also part of the festival.

For more information on events visit the events calendar by clicking here

 Marietta Attractions

From historic treasures to modern art and amusement, Marietta has many attractions for every interest. Many of these attractions are open year-round, and some are free of charge, so take the family to enjoy all that Marietta has to offer!

Turn of the Century Town Square
The original center of Marietta still is going strong today! Now filled with specialty shops and restaurants, rather than boarding houses and railroad stores, Marietta's town square continues to be a vital part of the downtown area. The centerpiece of the square beautiful Glover Park, is the site of many festivals, concerts and picnics.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
The major Civil War battle held here precipitated the fall of Atlanta. Today you can see the field where General Sherman's troops battled those of Confederate General Johnston in this epic battle. This 2,800-acre park and features a visitor's center, gift shop, museum and 16 miles of hiking trails.

Marietta Museum of History
Located on the second floor of the historic Kennesaw House, the Marietta Museum of History is home to the city's extensive historical collections of photographs, artifacts and documentary information.

Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is the only museum in the Atlanta area to focus specifically on 19th and 20th century American art. Touring exhibitions, lectures, workshops, classes, art festivals and other social and cultural opportunities are also offered at the museum.

William Root House
The Root House is one of the oldest surviving frame houses in Marietta. Located two blocks from the town square, the Root House gives visitors a glimpse of life in the 1850’s.

Marietta Fire Museum
This museum profiles the history of firefighting as far back as the late 1800s. Visitors can see the "Aurora," a steam-powered fire engine purchased by the city of Marietta in 1879. Also on display are pumper trucks from the 1920s, a 1949 ladder truck, and an extensive variety of firefighting paraphernalia.

City Club Marietta
Enjoy spectacular vistas of rolling hills and tall pines at City Club Marietta. Just a short drive from the town square, City Club Marietta offers golfers the experience of a mountain course.

For more information on Marietta attractions click here

For information on dining in Marietta click here

For more information on Marietta GA visit the official website by clicking here

For the Marietta visitor's guide click here

 Cobb County GA Chamber of Commerce

Cobb County

Square Miles -                                                                                     340.1

Population -                                                                                         663,818 (Growing)

Housing Unites -                                                                                 261,782   (Growing)

Median Income Per Household -                                                        $67,782.00

Per Capita Income -                                                                            $29620.00

Tax Millage Rate -                                                                              27.94

Schools                                                                                                Create link to schools

 Municipalities: Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta (County Seat) Powder Springs, Smyrna

 Cobb County is to the Northwest of Atlanta, and is one of the most popular destination for people moving to the Atlanta area. Home range from those on the National register to quality new and re-sale homes. Cobb County offers luxurious homes in golf, equestrian and family centered communities. For those with exclusive taste, golf and country club communities offer private membership and full custom constructed homes.

 Marietta Georgia is known for its three Historic districts and its famous town square complete with Gazebo and fountain. Small shops and eateries line the square also.

 The area is experiencing growth as many home buyers have discovered the areas natural beauty, recreational activities and stable economy.

 East Cobb is a strong draw for buyers because of the excellent schools as well the planned communities and amenities offered at a competitive price. There are a large number of homes that border the Chattahoochee River and housing that exceed your expectations.