Fairlie-Poplar in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Thrasherville

Where Atlanta Began

Photographed by Judith Barber, September 16, 2012

1. Thrasherville Marker

Inscription. In 1839 “Cousin John” Thrasher built a settlement called Thrasherville at this then forested site near the peg marking the planned terminus of the Western & Atlantic R. R. This railroad was later built by the State of Georgia to provide a link to the north for other Georgia railroads. While building northward near Griffin, the Monroe RR accepted John Thrasher’s bid to build an embankment to enable a future junction of the Monroe RR with the W&A RR. The Monroe Embankment, at $25,000 project, required about two years to complete. To fulfill his contract John Thrasher brought in many laborers, built rough shelters to house them and opened Atlanta’s first store. Atlanta’s first religious service, labor trouble, social event and baby are associated with this settlement. In 1847, the terminus was changed to the place now marked by the Zero Mile Post. Thrasherville, Terminus and Marthasville were the names given to the railroad generated settlement activity which preceded Atlanta. Thrasherville and Terminus were unofficial names; Marthasville was incorporated in 1843 and was reincorporated as Atlanta in 1845 and 1847.

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“Cousin John’s” settlement at this location is where Atlanta began.

Erected 1992 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 060-173.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 33° 45.413′ N, 84° 23.544′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in Fairlie-Poplar. It is at the intersection of Marietta Street and Spring Street NW, on the right when traveling east on Marietta Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Marietta Street, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate

Photographed by Judith Barber, September 16, 2012

2. Thrasherville Marker

Marker is located in front of the State Bar of Georgia building.

States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Glenn Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); CNN (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1998 Shining Light Award (about 600 feet away); U.S. Courthouse, Atlanta, Georgia (about 700 feet away); Healey Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Centennial Olympic Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1996 Summer Olympics (approx. 0.2 miles away); Building at 161 Spring Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Photographed by Judith Barber, September 16, 2012

3. Thrasherville Marker

Plaque dedicated to "Atlanta's First Baby". Located beside the Thrasherville Marker.

Photographed by Judith Barber, September 16, 2012

4. Thrasherville Marker

Marker is located in front of the State Bar of Georgia building. It is out of frame to the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2012, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,889 times since then and 107 times this year. Last updated on September 22, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2012, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.