Palmetto is a small town in Fulton County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. As of the 2010 Census, 4,488 people lived in Palmetto. Unfortunately, for tourists, there isn’t much to do in Palmetto.
However, an adventurous urban hiker might come across some historical markers.
- Palmetto historical marker. Located on U.S. 29 in Palmetto, Georgia, this historical marker marks a spot where soldiers camped on their way to Mexico and the Mexican American War in January 1847.
- Confederate Army of Tennessee historical marker – This historical marker highlights the retreat from Atlanta by the Confederate Army of Tennessee on September 2, 1864. In many ways, this historical marker signals the beginning of the end for the Confederates.
The seat of the Confederate government sat in Palmetto for a short time. Confederate President Jefferson Davis gave a famous speech to troops in the area to a “serenading Louisiana band.” However, history would record the Confederates eventually losing the war, making the Confederate Army of Tennessee’s historical marker poignant in its display.
Palmetto Today
Perhaps as much as any other southern town, Palmetto represents shifting population demographics. The 2000 Census showed racial breakdown as 47.41% White and 44.18% Black. The 2010 Census shows the racial breakdown as 56.9% Black and 26.9% White.
As Atlanta’s suburbs have become ethnically diverse, much of the local political makeup has shifted from more conservative values. In contrast, many of those who live in Atlanta’s suburbs work in the Atlanta metro area.
Palmetto is north of me in Florida.
Gosh, Palmetto looks like a very modern town; I would loved to see it and it’s much history. This exposure to Palmetto was much too short, but thank you for the tour.
Columbus Georgia is a much more historically significant town, with a ton for tourists to do.
Historic markers literally litter the City and the downtown life is JUMPING!!
The Chattahoochee River adds more than just scenery, with a nice Riverwalk that will take you from Ft. Benning, Ga., starting at the National Infantry Museum, to the Confederate Naval Museum, Memorial Park, and all the way across to Phenix City Alabama, which has a rich history of it’s own! Bike rentals are available.
White water rafting and zip lines from side to side of the river are a blast!
There’s no shortage of hunting and fishing as the Chattahoochee leads to West Point Lake just to the North, and Lake Eufaula to the South.
Also, just 20 minutes to the North of Columbus is the famed Callaway Gardens resort. It’s a normal staple for the locals.
James, if you ever end up in West Central Georgia, Definitely check out this town.