National Archives at Atlanta: A Treasure Trove of Southern History
The National Archives at Atlanta is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of the American South. Located in Morrow, Georgia, this remarkable facility is part of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which oversees the preservation and documentation of government records across the country. The National Archives at Atlanta holds a wealth of historical materials that shed light on the diverse and complex history of the region, making it an invaluable destination for researchers, historians, and the general public.
The Scope and Significance of the National Archives at Atlanta
The National Archives at Atlanta is one of 14 regional archives within the NARA system. It serves the Southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The facility houses records from over 100 federal agencies and courts, including census data, military records, court cases, and records from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The National Archives at Atlanta offers a comprehensive view of the region's history, covering topics such as slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, civil rights, and natural resource management. The extensive collection of materials held at the facility provides researchers with an unmatched resource for understanding the complexities of Southern history and the evolution of the United States as a whole.
Exploring the Rich Collections at the National Archives at Atlanta
Visitors to the National Archives at Atlanta will find an impressive array of historical resources. The facility's extensive holdings include:
Census Records
The National Archives at Atlanta is home to a complete set of U.S. Census records from 1790 to 1940. These invaluable documents provide a snapshot of the nation's population at ten-year intervals, offering insights into the demographics, occupations, and migration patterns of the American people.
Military Records
The National Archives at Atlanta holds a vast collection of military records, including service records, pension files, and bounty land warrants. These documents reveal the experiences of soldiers and their families throughout American history, from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
Court Records
Researchers can delve into the rich history of the American legal system at the National Archives at Atlanta. The facility houses records from federal courts in the Southeast, including the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Circuit Courts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals. These documents shed light on landmark cases, legal disputes, and the development of American jurisprudence.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Records
The National Archives at Atlanta is also home to records from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which document the government's interactions with Native American tribes in the Southeast. These materials provide essential information on treaties, land transactions, and the administration of Indian reservations and schools.
Civil Rights Division Records
The fight for civil rights in the United States is a major focus of the National Archives at Atlanta. The facility holds records from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, including case files, correspondence, and reports related to the enforcement of civil rights legislation in the South.
Planning Your Visit to the National Archives at Atlanta
If you're planning a trip to the National Archives at Atlanta, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a successful visit:
Hours of Operation: The National Archives at Atlanta is open to the public from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays. Researchers are encouraged to arrive early, as the research room closes at 4:45 PM.
Access to Records: Before your visit, it is advisable to check the online catalog and make a list of the specific records you wish to access. This will help maximize your time at the archives and ensure that the materials you need are available.