For Fun Reading - A Brief History of Underground Atlanta

Many people consider that Underground Atlanta, the famous shopping and entertainment district of Atlanta, came into being in the 1960s. However, the origin of the place is as old as the history of Atlanta as a railroad town. Atlanta progressed as a railroad town in the 19th century. During the first decade of the 20th century, the city had a number of iron bridges passing through the Union Street area.

Haralson Bleckley, a local architect, proposed the replacement of iron bridges with concrete viaducts. A linear mall at the bridge level too was projected. The real construction took place in 1920s and the merchants took their operation to the second floor, leaving first floor as the basement. For the next 40 years, the area existed as a dormant part of the city.

It was in 1960s that the basement area was rediscovered and the century-old architectural features attracted attention. The plan to open a city beneath the city came into focus. Underground Atlanta, Inc came into being in 1967 and the construction started in November, 1968.

Underground Atlanta officially opened to the public in 1969. Many new restaurants, bars and other entertainment areas made it the most exciting entertainment district of the city. A wax museum and a government operated souvenir shop constituted other attractions of the place.

The district was closed in 1980 due to the construction of MARTA rapid transit line, rising crime in the area and opening up of new bars in the neighboring areas. After struggling for nearly a decade, Underground Atlanta was reopened in 1989 as a modern shopping mall and entertainment district. Today, it is one of the main city attractions visited by the tourists. There are a lot of bars, nightclubs, and shops that are open till late hours in case you wish to enjoy the nightlife the city has to offer.

Further info on Underground Atlanta can be found from the links below:

Underground Atlanta Timeline

http://www.underground-atlanta.com/about-us/history-of-underground.html

Underground Atlanta History in Brief

http://jimcofer.com/personal/?p=2418

Underground Atlanta at National Register of Historic Places

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/und.htm

Past and Present of Underground Atlanta

http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Underground_Atlanta