Smyrna, Georgia Facts for Kids

Smyrna is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It's located northwest of Atlanta and is part of the larger Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Smyrna is known for being one of Georgia's fastest-growing cities. It is also one of the most densely populated cities in the Atlanta area.

In 2020, Smyrna had a population of 55,663 people. In 2018, Money magazine named Smyrna one of "The Best Places to Live in America." This was because it balances economic growth, affordable living, and a good quality of life.

History of Smyrna

Early Beginnings and Naming

The area where Smyrna is now located was originally home to Cherokee Indians. Pioneers started settling here in 1832. By the late 1830s, a religious gathering place called Smyrna Camp Ground became very popular. People from all over Georgia would travel to visit it.

The name "Smyrna" comes from a Greek name for an ancient Biblical city. That city, now called İzmir in Turkey, was home to a Christian leader named Polycarp.

Growth and Challenges

After the Western and Atlantic Railroad was finished in 1842, the area began to grow. Before it officially became Smyrna, it had several other names. These included Varner's Station, Ruff's Siding, Neal Dow, and Ruff's Station. The city was officially named Smyrna in 1872.

During the American Civil War, two battles happened nearby on July 4, 1864. These were the Battle of Smyrna Camp Ground and the Battle of Ruff's Mill. Many businesses, homes, and a covered bridge were burned by General Sherman's troops. The covered bridge, originally built in 1849, has since been rebuilt and is still used today.

Modern Growth and Development

After World War II, a factory that made B-29 bombers reopened in 1951. This factory, run by Lockheed, helped Smyrna grow a lot. The city's population jumped from 2,005 people in 1950 to almost 20,000 by 1970.

Geography and Nature

Where is Smyrna Located?

Smyrna is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Atlanta's city limits. Downtown Smyrna is about 16 miles (26 km) from downtown Atlanta. The city is located near where I-285 and I-75 meet. This area is also home to the Cumberland business district.

Smyrna shares borders with other towns. To the east is Vinings, to the north and west is Marietta, and to the south is Mableton. Other cities like Sandy Springs are also close by.

Land and Water Features

The city covers a total area of about 15.6 square miles (40.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water. The land in Smyrna is typical of the Piedmont region of Georgia. This means it has rolling hills, sloping uplands, and narrow valleys.

The Jonquil City

Smyrna's official symbol is the jonquil, a type of flower. The city is often called the "Jonquil City." This is because thousands of jonquils bloom in gardens and along the streets every spring.

Population and People

How Many People Live in Smyrna?

Smyrna has grown quite a bit over the years. In 1880, only 259 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to 55,663. This shows a big increase, especially since 2000.

Who Lives in Smyrna?

According to the 2020 census, Smyrna is home to a diverse group of people.

About 43.4% of residents are White (not Hispanic).
Around 30.6% are Black or African American.
About 6.64% are Asian.
About 13.77% are Hispanic or Latino.

In 2012, a high number of Smyrna residents had a college degree (52.2%). Also, 91.3% of residents had a high school diploma. These rates are among the highest in Georgia.

Economy and Jobs

Income in Smyrna

In 2018, the average income for a household in Smyrna was $73,788 per year. The income per person was $44,823. This was a significant increase from the year 2000.

Major Companies and Employers

Several companies have offices or headquarters in Smyrna. The Atlanta Bread Company has its main office here. Other companies like Eaton Corporation and IBM also have offices in the city.

Smyrna is home to several large employers. Some of the top employers include:

United Distributors
Glock (a firearms manufacturer)
UCB (a biopharmaceutical company)
Publix (a grocery store chain)
The City of Smyrna government itself

City Development Projects

Market Village

In 1991, Smyrna started a big project called "Market Village." The goal was to create a clear downtown area. This project included a community center and a large public library. They also built a shopping and living area designed to look like an old city village. It even has a town square with a fountain. These projects have helped make the downtown area lively again.

More new homes, including townhouses and condos, have been built. This has helped the population grow, as Smyrna is a popular place to live near Atlanta.

Future Public Projects

There are plans to connect the Silver Comet Trail, which ends in Smyrna, to the Atlanta Beltline. This project will create a very long paved trail, allowing people to travel a great distance by foot or bike.

Education in Smyrna

Public Schools

Public schools in Smyrna are managed by the Cobb County School District. Students in the city attend 12 different schools. Some of the largest schools are:

Campbell High School
Campbell Middle School
Nickajack Elementary School

Private Schools

Smyrna also has several private schools. These include St. Benedict's Episcopal School, Covenant Christian School, and Whitefield Academy.

Arts, Culture, and Recreation

Jonquil Park

The Market Village in the city center is a popular spot. It often hosts outdoor concerts and festivals. Smyrna also has many small parks, public swimming pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds. There's even a walking trail along Spring Road.

Transportation

Several important roads pass through Smyrna. These include I-285, Cobb Parkway (U.S. Route 41), and Atlanta Road.

For public transportation, Smyrna is served by CobbLinc and MARTA buses.

Notable People from Smyrna

Many interesting people have connections to Smyrna, including:

Julia Roberts, a famous actress.
Chan Marshall, a singer-songwriter.
Bob Barr, a U.S. Representative.
Baseball stars like Gerald Perry, Ron Gant, Daniel Palka, and John Brebbia.
Louie Giglio, a well-known pastor and founder of Passion Conferences.
C. Martin Croker, a voice actor and animator known for Space Ghost Coast to Coast.