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Fourteen Flags Over Atlanta: A City's Rich and Complex History

Wesley Reed

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Published in When The Braves Ruled The Diamond: Fourteen Flags Over Atlanta

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Atlanta Skyline With 14 Flags Flying When The Braves Ruled The Diamond: Fourteen Flags Over Atlanta

Nestled among the rolling hills of the American Southeast, Atlanta is a city with a long and storied past. From its humble beginnings as a Native American trading post to its rise as a global metropolis, Atlanta has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Throughout its history, the city has flown under no less than 14 different flags, each representing a different era and a different set of circumstances. These flags tell the story of Atlanta's growth, its struggles, and its ultimate triumph.

Spanish Flag (1540-1568)

The first European flag to fly over Atlanta was the Spanish flag. In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto led an expedition through the region and claimed it for Spain. The Spanish established a short-lived settlement in the area, but it was ultimately abandoned after a few years.

When the Braves Ruled the Diamond: Fourteen Flags over Atlanta

by Zachary Shore

4.6 out of 5

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French Flag (1562-1763)

In 1562, French explorer Jean Ribault claimed the region for France. The French established a colony at Fort Caroline, on the coast of present-day South Carolina. The colony was eventually destroyed by the Spanish, but the French continued to claim the region until 1763, when it was ceded to Great Britain as part of the Treaty of Paris.

British Flag (1763-1776)

After the Treaty of Paris, the British established a colony in the region and named it Georgia after King George II. The British built a fort at the site of present-day Atlanta and called it Fort Peachtree. The colony grew rapidly, and by the time of the American Revolution, it was one of the most populous in British North America.

American Flag (1776-1861)

In 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Georgia was one of the original thirteen colonies, and it played a significant role in the American Revolution. The American flag was first flown over Atlanta in 1778, after the British evacuated the city.

Confederate Flag (1861-1865)

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, Georgia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. The Confederate flag was flown over Atlanta until the city was captured by Union forces in 1864.

American Flag (1865-1956)

After the Civil War, Atlanta was rebuilt and became a major center of industry and commerce. The American flag was flown over the city for the next century, as Atlanta grew into one of the most important cities in the United States.

State of Georgia Flag (1956-present)

In 1956, the Georgia state flag was adopted. The flag features a red field with a blue St. Andrew's cross. The cross is emblazoned with the state seal, which depicts a soldier standing next to a woman holding a Bible and a sword. The Georgia state flag is flown over Atlanta alongside the American flag.

Other Flags

In addition to the 14 main flags that have flown over Atlanta, there have also been numerous other flags flown by various organizations and groups. These flags include the flags of the city of Atlanta, Fulton County, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the Atlanta Braves.

The 14 flags that have flown over Atlanta tell the story of a city that has been shaped by many different cultures and influences. From its humble beginnings as a Native American trading post to its rise as a global metropolis, Atlanta has witnessed a remarkable transformation. The city's flags are a reminder of its rich and complex history, and they continue to wave proudly over the city today.

When the Braves Ruled the Diamond: Fourteen Flags over Atlanta

by Zachary Shore

4.6 out of 5