Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the state of Georgia, a state of the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 416,474. It is the county seat of Fulton County.
It was the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Atlanta was founded in the 19th century as a terminus on the Western & Atlantic railroad, hence the name. It was the target of a major invasion in the American Civil War and scene of the Battle of Atlanta, later immortalized in the novel and film Gone With the Wind. The city was destroyed in the aftermath of the battle.
Despite these romantic associations, Atlanta has always been a commercial city, and not an Ante-bellum monument. It is a major center of regional commerce. The headquarters of the Cable News Network are in Atlanta, where it was founded.
At more than 1000 feet above sea level, Atlanta is second in altitude to mile-high Denver among major American cities. This results in a climate more moderate than in many other cities in the Southern US, despite its common nickname as "Hotlanta".
Atlanta is home to numerous educational institutions: Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and Agnes Scott College as well as a cluster of historically black institutions including Atlanta University and Morehouse College.
Major-league Sports teams:
Major League Baseball: Atlanta Braves
American football, National Football League: Atlanta Falcons
Basketball, National Basketball Association: Atlanta Hawks
Hockey, National Hockey League: Atlanta Thrashers
Soccer, Women's United Soccer Association: Atlanta Beat
