Downtown Marietta is a place simply bursting with history and charm. The original downtown area was laid out in 1833, and business began to boom by 1835 thanks to the announcement of new railroad construction.
Before long, three taverns, a tanyard, and a handful of stores sprang up around the center of town. Business was thriving, and so was the railroad. In 1852, the town became incorporated and elected its first mayor, John Glover, who was a successful business man as well as a popular politician. Mr. Glover was successful in many business ventures and helped to continue the growth of the area. This led to stagecoach stops and hotels appearing on the square to support the blossoming tourism industry of the city.
However, in the 1850s, fires demolished a large portion of the city on three separate occasions. Though the city recovered each time, it was again destroyed in November of 1864, set alight by soldiers under the command of Union General Hugh Kilpatrick during Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Sadly, only two of the buildings on the square remained this time, though the citizens were quick to rebuild their beloved town.
During the rest of the 19th century and throughout the early 20th century, the square was known as the hub for government, businesses, and social life for Cobb County. Though this popularity waned in the 1970s and 80s due to the rise in shopping malls and outlets, the revitalization brought by specialty shops and fine dining restaurants starting in the 1990s has revamped the historic Marietta Square, creating a well-frequented destination for locals and visitors alike, with hundreds of events taking place on the square every year.
