As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Marietta is taking time to celebrate the people, places, and stories that have shaped our city for nearly two centuries. From its founding in 1834 to its role in the Civil War, railroad expansion, civil rights history, and community growth, Marietta’s story is woven into every street, landmark, and gathering place throughout the city. Marietta 250 is an invitation to explore those stories, discover the people who came before us, and experience the rich history that continues to shape our community today. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, there are countless ways to connect with the past and see how history lives on in Marietta today.
Start at the Marietta History Center
One of the best places to start your journey through Marietta’s history is the Marietta History Center, located inside the historic Kennesaw House on Marietta Square. Home to the largest collection of artifacts related to Marietta and Cobb County, the museum brings local history to life through engaging exhibits that explore everything from military history and local industry to daily life throughout the decades. The Kennesaw House itself is part of the story. The building survived the Civil War and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Square today.
Step Into Everyday Life at the William Root House
History isn’t only about major events, it’s also about everyday people. The William Root House Museum & Garden offers a look at life in Marietta during the 1850s. Built around 1845 for William and Hannah Root, the home provides visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like for a middle-class family in antebellum Georgia. Through interactive exhibits and thoughtfully preserved spaces, guests gain insight into the lives of the Root family, as well as the stories of enslaved individuals whose labor helped shape the community.
The Strand: A Century of Community Gathering
The historic Strand Theatre has been entertaining generations of residents and visitors since 1935. While beautifully restored today, the Strand tells a larger story about community, resilience, and the importance of preserving local landmarks. From classic films and vaudeville performances to today’s concerts, productions, and special events, the Strand continues to serve as a gathering place where new memories are made while honoring the city’s cultural heritage.
Where History Was Made: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Few places connect visitors to one of the most significant chapters in local history like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The park preserves the site of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, where Union and Confederate forces fought during the Civil War. Today, visitors can walk historic battlefields, explore interpretive exhibits, and hike scenic trails while learning about the events that shaped not only Marietta, but the course of American history. The mountain serves as both a natural landmark and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that occurred here more than 160 years ago.
Honoring Service at Marietta National and Confederate Cemeteries
History often speaks in places of remembrance. The Marietta National Cemetery, established after the Civil War, is the final resting place of more than 10,000 Union soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict. Nearby, the Marietta Confederate Cemetery honors more than 3,000 Confederate soldiers and remains one of the largest Confederate burial grounds in the South. Together, these cemeteries tell a story of sacrifice, loss, and remembrance while preserving an important chapter of Marietta’s history.
Glover Park: The Heart of Marietta
At the center of the city sits Glover Park, a place where Marietta’s past and present meet every day. Named for John Glover, Marietta’s first mayor, the park has long served as the community’s gathering space. From festivals and concerts to holiday celebrations, Glover Park continues to be the heart of the city.
Begin Your Journey at the Marietta Welcome Center
Located on the historic Square, the Marietta Welcome Center is more than a visitor resource, it’s a gateway to discovering the city’s stories. Housed in Marietta’s former train depot, the building itself is an important piece of local history, reflecting the role the railroad played in the city’s growth and development. Visitors can pick up guides, learn about local attractions, and create their own itinerary. Whether you’re interested in Civil War history, architecture, museums, or cultural landmarks, the Welcome Center provides the perfect starting point for exploring Marietta’s rich heritage.
Preserving and Sharing Black History in Marietta
Marietta’s story would be incomplete without recognizing the contributions, experiences, and achievements of its African American community. Through Visit Marietta’s Black History page, visitors can explore important sites, stories, churches, museums, and community leaders who helped shape the city. From the historic Lemon Street schools and the Carter Family House to Old Zion Heritage Museum and significant African American churches, these locations provide a deeper understanding of Marietta’s history and the people whose stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Discover the Stories Around Every Corner
One of the most remarkable things about Marietta is that history isn’t confined to museums. It’s found in historic homes, churches, cemeteries, theaters, public parks, and neighborhood streets. Every landmark offers a new perspective on the people and events that shaped our city.
As we celebrate Marietta 250, we invite you to explore these places, uncover new stories, and connect with the rich history that continues to inspire our community today. Because when you walk through Marietta, you’re not just visiting a destination, you’re walking through the stories that helped shape America.