Howell Interlocking Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Howell Interlocking Historic District
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 Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly centered on Howell Interlocking at Marietta, W. Marietta Sts., Howell Mill Rd. and Lowery Blvd. |
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| Area | 85 acres (34 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000676 |
| Added to NRHP | July 25, 2003 |
The Howell Interlocking Historic District is a special area in West Midtown, Atlanta. It's where four different railroad lines meet and cross. Think of it like a giant puzzle of train tracks! This district is right next to the Marietta Street Artery neighborhood. That area is famous for its industrial past. It was one of the first places in Atlanta to have factories and businesses. These were built along Atlanta's very first railway line, which started way back in 1837.
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What is Howell Interlocking?
An "interlocking" is a fancy word for a place where train tracks connect. It's where trains can switch from one track to another. It's also where multiple tracks cross paths. At Howell Interlocking, trains from different directions can safely move through. This is thanks to a system of signals and switches. These systems make sure trains don't crash into each other. It's like a traffic light system, but for trains!
A Crossroads for Trains
The Howell Interlocking area is a very busy spot for trains. It's where four major railroad lines come together. These lines are like highways for trains. They carry goods and sometimes people across the country. Because so many lines meet here, it's been a key spot for Atlanta's growth. It helped move raw materials to factories. It also shipped finished products out to other cities.
Why is it Historic?
This area is called a "historic district" because it's very old and important. It shows us how Atlanta grew up around its railroads. The tracks here were first laid down in 1889. That's over 130 years ago! The district covers about 85 acres. That's like 64 football fields! It reminds us of a time when trains were the main way to travel and transport goods.
Early Days of Atlanta's Railroads
Atlanta itself started because of the railroads. In the 1830s, a spot was chosen for the end of a new railway line. This spot became the city of Atlanta. The Marietta Street Artery, right next to Howell Interlocking, was one of the first industrial areas. Factories and warehouses popped up there. They used the trains to get their supplies and send out their products. The Howell Interlocking area became vital for connecting these early industries.
Protecting History
Because of its importance, the Howell Interlocking Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes places that are important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means people recognize its value. It helps protect these places for future generations. So, the Howell Interlocking is not just a train hub; it's a piece of living history!
