Marietta history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Marietta dates back to the 1830s. The settlement was officially recognised in 1834 by the Georgia General Assembly. The city was named in honour of Mary Cobb, the wife of the prominent American senator and judge Thomas W. Cobb. In 1852, Marietta was officially incorporated as a city, by which time it already had a formed structure and community.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several strategic factors:

• Railway Connection: The construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad was a decisive moment. Marietta became an important transport hub linking the region to other trade routes.
• Administrative Status: The selection of Marietta as the administrative centre of Cobb County attracted lawyers, officials, and businessmen, stimulating the construction of administrative buildings and housing.
• Geographical Location: The city is conveniently located at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, providing not only picturesque views but also access to natural resources.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In its early period, Marietta gained fame as a popular summer resort. Due to its elevation and more moderate climate compared to the coastal areas, wealthy southerners came here to escape the summer heat. This contributed to the development of the hospitality business and cultural life.

The city's economy also relied on agriculture and trade. Life bustled around the central square, known today as Marietta Square: fairs were held here, shops operated, and a unique architectural look was formed, combining commercial and residential buildings of that time.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1834: The Georgia General Assembly officially recognises the settlement of Marietta.
• 1838: Construction begins on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, turning the city into a major transport hub.
• 1852: Marietta receives official city status, allowing for the formation of a full local government.
• 1864: The historic Battle of Kennesaw Mountain takes place in the city's vicinity.
• 1866: The Marietta National Cemetery is founded, which serves as an important memorial site today.
• 1905: A tram line is launched, providing regular passenger service between Marietta and Atlanta.
• 1935: The Art Deco style Strand Theatre opens on the central square, becoming the cultural heart of the city.
• 1943: The Bell Aircraft plant begins operations, providing the region with thousands of jobs and economic growth.
• 1951: Production facilities come under the management of Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin), continuing aviation manufacturing traditions.
• 1963: The famous 17-metre steel structure "The Big Chicken" is installed, becoming the unofficial symbol and landmark of the city.
• 1974: The historic centre of Marietta is included in the National Register of Historic Places due to its well-preserved architecture.
• 2009: The Strand Theatre reopens its doors after a large-scale restoration that returned it to its historical appearance.

Key Stages of Development

The history of Marietta is a journey from a resort settlement to a major industrial and cultural centre. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern look of the city:

• Railway Era (Mid-19th Century). The completion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad (W&A Railroad) turned Marietta into a strategic trade hub. This ensured an influx of capital and visitors, making the city a popular summer resort for residents of the Georgia lowlands.
• Post-War Recovery (Late 19th Century). Despite significant destruction during the Civil War (1864), the city quickly restored its infrastructure. This period was marked by active urban planning and the formation of the historic centre, which attracts tourists today.
• Integration with Atlanta (1905). The launch of the electric tram connecting Marietta with Atlanta was an important step in urbanisation. This event strengthened economic ties with the state capital and stimulated an influx of new residents working in the metropolis.
• Industrial Breakthrough (1940s). The opening of the Bell Aircraft plant during World War II was a turning point in the economy. The enterprise provided thousands of jobs, transforming the agrarian-resort city into a powerful industrial centre and causing a housing boom.
• Aerospace Specialisation (since 1951). The transfer of the aircraft plant to Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) management secured Marietta's status as one of the US aircraft manufacturing centres. This ensured long-term economic stability and the development of the technology sector in the region.
• Downtown Revitalisation (Late 20th — Early 21st Century). A large-scale programme for preserving historical heritage and the reconstruction of Marietta Square transformed the city centre. From a strictly administrative zone, it turned into the cultural heart of the city with theatres, museums, and festivals, becoming a driver of the tourism economy.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Environment

The architecture of Marietta clearly illustrates the history of the American South: from antebellum mansions and Victorian elegance to 20th-century industrial development. The urban environment is formed around the historic centre, which is carefully preserved and adapted for modern needs.

Main Styles and Eras

Several key architectural trends corresponding to the stages of its development can be traced in the city's appearance:

• Greek Revival: A style characteristic of the mid-19th century. A vivid example is the Kennesaw House (now a museum). This is one of the few buildings that survived the burning of the city in 1864. Strict lines and monumentality reflect the era before the Civil War.
• Victorian Style and Queen Anne: The period of recovery and flourishing in the late 19th century (1880–1900s). In historic residential areas, such as Church Street, many wooden mansions have been preserved with characteristic turrets, intricate carvings, asymmetrical facades, and spacious verandas designed for relaxation in the hot climate.
• Brick Commercial: Development around the central square, Marietta Square. These are two- and three-story brick buildings from the late 19th — early 20th century with large display windows on the ground floors and decorative cornices. They form a cosy and cohesive ensemble of the "Main Street" of old America.
• Art Deco: The influence of the 1930s is embodied in the Strand Theatre building. Geometric shapes, a bright neon sign, and stylised facade ornaments symbolise the city's cultural rise in the interwar period.

Landmarks and Urban Planning

In addition to classical styles, Marietta features unique examples of American roadside architecture and industrial influence:

• Novelty Architecture: The famous "The Big Chicken" — a steel structure 17 metres high, built in 1963. This is a textbook example of a "duck" (sculptural building), which has become a main topographical landmark for locals.
• Industrial Modernism: The Lockheed Martin plant complex represents an example of functional industrial architecture of the mid-20th century, which defined the economic landscape of the city and its expansion beyond the historic centre.

Distinguished Figures of Marietta

Marietta has become the birthplace and home to many talented people who have left a significant mark on the history, politics, music, and cinema of the USA. Below are the most famous persons whose names are inextricably linked with this city.

• Lucius D. Clay — General and Administrator.
  A native of Marietta who became one of the key figures in post-war Europe. He is known as the chief organiser of the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), a brilliant logistics operation that saved the residents of West Berlin from starvation. He also played an important role in creating the US Interstate Highway System.
• William Gibbs McAdoo — Politician and Financier.
  Born in Marietta in 1863. He served as US Secretary of the Treasury in President Woodrow Wilson's cabinet. He played a decisive role in the establishment of the Federal Reserve System and the transformation of the country's economic infrastructure in the early 20th century.
• Robert Patrick — Actor.
  Born and raised in Marietta. He gained worldwide fame for his role as the antagonist — the liquid metal robot T-1000 in the cult action film "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". His filmography includes more than a hundred roles in movies and popular series, such as "The X-Files" and "The Sopranos".
• Travis Tritt — Country Artist.
  A famous singer and songwriter born in Marietta. He is the winner of two Grammy Awards and several platinum albums. Tritt became one of the icons of country music in the 1990s, successfully combining traditional motifs with Southern rock.
• Chris & Rich Robinson — Rock Musicians.
  Brothers who founded the legendary band The Black Crowes. The collective was formed specifically in Marietta in the 1980s. The band achieved global recognition, selling millions of albums and becoming a bright representative of the blues-rock and Southern rock genres.
• Ty Pennington — TV Host and Designer.
  Famous host of the show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". Pennington spent his youth in Marietta and graduated from the local Sprayberry High School before starting a career in media and design.
• Alton Brown — Culinary Expert and TV Host.
  Creator of the popular scientific cooking show "Good Eats" and host of "Iron Chef America". He lived and worked in Marietta for a long time, where he filmed many episodes of his programmes, bringing fame to the city in the gastronomic world.