Reuben Cone facts for kids

Judge Reuben Cone (born July 14, 1788 – died April 10, 1851) was a very important person in the early history of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to settle and help build up the area. He also owned a lot of land.

Reuben Cone was an early settler in DeKalb County, Georgia. He married Lucinda Shumate there. He helped with education in 1823. In 1825, he became a justice of the inferior court. This meant he was a local judge. At that time, the town of Decatur was very small, with only about twelve log cabins.

Judge Cone's Important Land Lot 78

One of Judge Cone's most important pieces of land was called Land Lot 78. This huge area was about 202 acres. Today, this land includes parts of downtown Atlanta, like the Fairlie-Poplar area and Centennial Olympic Park.

This land was first given to a woman named Jane Doss. She sold it in 1826 for $50. Twelve years later, in 1838, Judge Cone bought it for $300.

How Land Lot 78 Helped Start Atlanta

A very important event happened on Judge Cone's Land Lot 78. A man named Stephen Harriman Long placed a special spike in the ground there. This spike marked the end of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This moment was the start of the city of Atlanta!

Judge Cone helped the new town grow. He divided his large land into smaller pieces. He sold these smaller lots for low prices. This encouraged more people to move to the young town and settle there.

Other Contributions to Atlanta

In 1848, Judge Cone gave some of his land on Marietta Street. This land was used to build the First Presbyterian Church. The church was finished in 1852 by Richard Peters. Today, this spot is part of the State Bar of Georgia building.

Judge Reuben Cone is buried at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. A street in downtown Atlanta, Cone Street, is named after him. This helps people remember his important role in the city's beginnings.