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.
Thrasherville. Where Atlanta Began. 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 and 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. “Cousin John’s” settlement at this location is where Atlanta began.
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. “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.
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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. Marker 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.
Marker is located in front of the State Bar of Georgia building.
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 2,678 times since then and 121 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.
