Established in 1872 with the building of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Capt. P.R. Scott donated 100 acres to the railroad for the new Atlanta, named for the Georgia home of many early settlers. Sites of prehistoric Caddo villages have been noted in the region. The area served as a gateway for early settlers of Texas, as pioneers from Missouri and Arkansas crossed the Red and Sulphur rivers on ferries.

Visitors can tour the historic downtown plaza, the Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot and Museum, Veterans Memorial Plaza, or the Atlanta library's genealogical section. Fishing, hunting and birding opportunities abound on and around nearby lakes. Annual events include the Professional Women's Day Expo in April, Hoot "N" Holler festival in early September, the Cullen Baker Country Fair on the first Saturday in November, and Holiday Open House and Christmas Parade in December.