Marietta, Georgia offers visitors and residents much more than meets the eye. This historic city, located just northwest of Atlanta, holds numerous secrets and fascinating facts that many people aren't aware of. From its rich history to unique attractions, Marietta has plenty to discover beyond its charming square.
Marietta dates back to the 1830s when settlers established a community near the Cherokee territory. The city got its name from Mary Cobb, the wife of U.S. Senator Thomas Willis Cobb.
The city served as a major military hub during the Civil War. Union General William T. Sherman used Marietta as a staging area during his Atlanta Campaign. Today, visitors can learn about this history at the Marietta Museum of History.
One cannot talk about Marietta without mentioning the Big Chicken. This 56-foot tall steel structure features a moving beak and eyes. Built in 1963, it stands as a quirky landmark that helps locals give directions. "Turn right at the Big Chicken" remains a common phrase among Marietta residents.
The structure has survived storms and renovation attempts. Today, it houses a KFC restaurant and attracts tourists who want to snap photos of this unusual architectural feat.
Marietta has become a popular location for film and television productions. The city's historic architecture and beautiful tree-lined streets featured in the marietta-picturesque-tree-avenues blog make it an ideal backdrop for period pieces and modern stories alike.
Movies like "Dumb and Dumber To" and "The Founder" filmed scenes in Marietta. Television shows such as "The Vampire Diaries" also used locations throughout the city.
The Marietta Square stands as the heart of the city. This central gathering place hosts weekly farmers markets, concerts, and festivals. The square features Glover Park at its center, surrounded by local shops, restaurants, and the historic Strand Theatre.
What many people don't know is that underneath the square lies a network of tunnels dating back to the 19th century. These tunnels once connected various buildings and served multiple purposes throughout history.
Marietta claims the title of one of Georgia's most haunted cities. The Marietta Square and surrounding areas reportedly host numerous ghosts and spirits.
The Kennesaw House, now home to the Marietta Museum of History, served as a hospital during the Civil War. Staff and visitors report strange occurrences including phantom footsteps and items moving without explanation.
Ghost tours run regularly through the historic district, taking brave participants to locations like the Old Marietta Cemetery, where Civil War soldiers rest.
Marietta City Schools operates as an independent school district separate from the Cobb County School System. This small district has earned recognition for its academic programs and innovative approaches to education.
Marietta High School offers an International Baccalaureate program that attracts students seeking rigorous academic preparation. The school district also runs a unique STEM program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Several famous people came from Marietta or called it home at some point. These include:
Lucius D. Clay, the American general who organized the Berlin Airlift
Joanne Woodward, Academy Award-winning actress and wife of Paul Newman
Billy Milner, former NFL player
Melanie Oudin, professional tennis player who reached the quarterfinals of the 2009 US Open
Beyond the historic buildings and city attractions, Marietta offers stunning natural beauty. The city maintains over 18 parks covering more than 270 acres of land.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park sits partially within Marietta city limits. This protected area provides hiking trails with amazing views of Atlanta's skyline on clear days.
Marietta's food scene goes far beyond typical suburban fare. The city hosts numerous family-owned restaurants serving authentic international cuisines.
The Marietta Food Tours allow visitors and locals to sample dishes from multiple establishments while learning about the city's history. These walking tours have gained popularity as a way to experience both local culture and cuisine.
Speaking of unique food spots, the Australian Bakery Café on the Marietta Square stands as the first authentic Australian bakery established in the USA. They serve traditional meat pies, sausage rolls, and other Australian specialties that can't be found elsewhere in the region.
Marietta, Georgia offers much more than its charming appearance suggests. From its rich history and haunted buildings to unique landmarks and cultural attractions, this city continues to surprise visitors and residents alike.
The next time you visit Marietta, take time to look beyond the obvious attractions. Explore the picturesque tree-lined avenues highlighted in our dedicated blog post that give the city its distinctive character. Discover the hidden stories, taste the local cuisine, and experience the unique blend of history and modern life that makes Marietta special.
Whether you're interested in Civil War history, paranormal activities, culinary adventures, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Marietta has something unexpected to offer everyone who takes the time to explore.