Which city served as the capital of Georgia before moving to Atlanta?

Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia from 1804 until 1868. This shift occurred as part of a broader trend in the early 19th century where many states moved their capitals further inland, closer to the center of their population and away from coastal vulnerabilities.

Milledgeville was strategically selected for its advantageous position on the Oconee River and was designed to be a state capital with a focus on accessibility for legislators and officials. This shift reflected the growth and development of Georgia's interior and the desire to facilitate governance across the expanding territory. Eventually, the capital was moved to Atlanta, which was better connected by railroads, marking a significant evolution in the state's political and economic landscape.

Augusta served as the first capital, while Savannah was also a colonial capital, but neither held the role for as long as Milledgeville before the capital transitioned to Atlanta. Columbus, while a significant city, was never the capital of Georgia.