Five Points in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Zero Mile Post

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 6, 2015

1. Zero Mile Post Marker

Inscription. This Zero Mile Post marks the Southeastern Terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, about which a settlement grew and eventually became Atlanta. This railroad, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, was built, and still is owned by the State of Georgia. It was authorized by the State Legislature December 21, 1836. The route was surveyed by Colonel Stephen Harriman Long, Chief Engineer, May 12, 1837 to November 3, 1840. Construction began March, 1838.

The original terminus was between the present Forsyth and Magnolia Streets. It was moved here in 1842. The settlement which sprang up was called Terminus. It was incorporated as the town of Marthasville, December 23, 1843. The name was changed to Atlanta, December 26, 1845. It was incorporated as the City of Atlanta, December 29, 1847, with corporate limits extending one mile in every direction from the State Depot which was between here and what is now Pryor Street.

The railroad placed mile posts beginning here in 1850. A new City Charter approved February 28, 1874 redefined the corporate limits as a circle one mile and a half in every direction from this mile post.

Erected 1958 by Georgia Hisatorical Commission. (Marker Number 060-124.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars

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• Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 33° 45.14′ N, 84° 23.315′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in Five Points. Marker can be reached from Central Avenue Southwest near Wall Street Southwest. Marker was located on the wall off the first level of the parking garage at the Georgia Building Authority's Police Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Central Avenue Southwest, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Georgia Railroad Freight Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Georgia Railroad Freight Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Burning and Destruction of Atlanta (about 300 feet away); The Eternal Flame Of The Confederacy (about 400 feet away); 10 Park Place (about 700 feet away); Immaculate Conception Church (about 700 feet away); Fulton County (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Philip's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

More about this marker. Originally located outside at ground level when erected in 1958, this marker had the post mount removed and was mounted on a wall when the parking garage and surrounding complex was

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built in the 1980s. The Zero Mile Post has since been removed and taken to the Atlanta History Center. After the original structure was demolished, a newly made marker and a replica mile post were erected under Central Avenue on May 14, 2019.

Also see . . . Zero Mile Post. (Submitted on July 4, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 50 times this year. Last updated on July 4, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photo 1. submitted on July 4, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.