Terminus became a settlement adjacent to the new Western and Atlantic Railroad line in 1837. Soon afterwards it was called Thraserville and then changed to Marthasville. In 1847, the town was renamed Atlanta to honor the railroad. In addition to four names, it has also had four city halls since 1854. Architect Lloyd Preacher was responsible for the Neo-Gothic design of the current government building. The Atlanta City Hall opened in 1930 and is listed by the U. S. National Register of Historic Places.
