Region: Piney Woods
Established in 1872 with the building of the Texas and Pacific Railroad.
Capt. P.R. Scott donated 100 acres to the railroad for the location of 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 birdwatching opportunities abound on and around
nearby lakes. Area annual events include the Wildflower Trails in April, Hoot
"N" Holler BBQ Cook-Off in October, and the Cullen Baker Fair on the first
Saturday in November.