Name Atlanta is an abbreviated version of Atlantica-Pacifica (after the Western and Atlantic Railroad), the name first suggested by Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad J. Edgar Thomson. Atlanta has gone by other names as well: Marthasville, Thrasherville and Terminus County Seat of Fulton County Known For Being the Capital of Georgia Most People Don't Know The Atlanta metropolitan area is the ninth largest in the country. The Combined Statistical Area has a population of around six million, making it the most populous metropolis in the Southeastern United States Notable Natural Feature Peachtree Street runs along the Eastern Continental Divide with rain falling on the west site of the divide flowing into the Gulf of Mexico and rain falling on the east side flowing into the Atlantic Famous Sons and Daughters Martin Luther King, Jr. In Literature Margaret Mitchell immortalized Atlanta in her novel, Gone with the Wind Top Annual Events Peachtree Road Race Don't Miss Peachtree Street (preferably a walking tour) from Underground Atlanta to Lenox Square with a side trip to Centennial Olympic Park Nearby Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area