When did Atlanta officially become the state capital of Georgia?

Atlanta officially became the state capital of Georgia in 1868. The decision was made during Reconstruction, following the Civil War, as part of efforts to rebuild the South and to establish a new government presence in a central location that would promote economic recovery and development. This period was marked by significant changes in political and social landscapes, and moving the capital to Atlanta, a growing city, symbolized a shift towards modernization and inclusiveness for the state.

Prior to this, the capital had been located in a series of other towns, including Savannah and Milledgeville. The selection of Atlanta was seen as a strategic choice to facilitate better access for the state's population and to help stimulate growth in an area that had considerable potential due to its railroads and industrial prospects. This move symbolized a new era for Georgia and marked Atlanta's rise as a significant urban center in the American South.