Now known for its bustling city square, Marietta was once home to Creek and Cherokee Indians. The birth of Marietta began with 4 community homes near an old Indian Trail which accounted for less than 50 people. The city was named after the wife of T. R. R. Cobb, Mary Cobb. Hence the county of which Marietta lies in, Cobb County. Marietta was formally established into a county seat in 1834.
In 1837, Marietta was chosen as a home base for the Western and Atlantic Railroad running from the Chattahoochee to the Tennessee River. The railroad was finally completed in 1842 which resulted in Marietta emerging as a popular stop. Surrounded by Kennesaw Mountain and Little Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta became quite the tourist destination.
Marietta also played an important role in the Civil War. Union soldier, William Sherman took control of the city and the surrounding Kennesaw Mountain from the Confederate Army July 2-November 14, 1864. The Fletcher House, later known as the Kennesaw House, became an important base for many important Union soldiers. Atlanta was finally captured by the Union Army which led to the South surrendering in April of 1865 and reconstruction of the city began.
Marietta served as home base for the Bell Bomber factory during World War II which was based at Marietta’s Rickenbacher Field. The Bell Bomber factory built 669 B-29 bombers used by American forces during the war. After being abandoned in 1951, Charmichael and Lockhead Corporation rescued the plant, which lead to the birth of Lockeed-Martin. Lockheed-Martin is one of the major employers of the state.
The next time you are in Cobb County, make sure you stop by the hip city square that offers a beautiful center with a fountain and small stage for summertime entertainment. During Spring and Summer weekends, the square offers art walks, a concert series with live entertainment, The Taste of Marietta and many more fun events to attend. The square is surrounded by an array of restaurants with outdoor seating as well as Glover Park Brewery and soon to be open Red Hare Brewery at the old Hemingway’s location.
By our Preferred Vendors, Neel Robinson & Stafford, LLC, on September 8th, 2020