Atlanta's Liberty Plaza

Five years ago today, on January 16, 2015, Liberty Plaza was dedicated. More than 100 years in the making, a civic area near the Capitol Building was propose in 1910 as part of a comprehensive city beautification and development plan that was finally realized a century later thanks in great part to the Georgia Building Authority. 

Today, Liberty Plaza serves as a major focal point for large groups that hold public rallies and assemblies both during and between legislative sessions. The plaza is large enough to accommodate over 3,000 visitors and is located southeast across from the Georgia State Capitol.

Liberty Bell reproduction | Liberty Plaza | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you know that the actual Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania used to travel? And that it traveled to Atlanta? It was on display during the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition in Piedmont Park. That exposition was a message to the world that Atlanta was poised to be a significant contributor to domestic and international commerce and the country's economic fabric—that we were (and continue to be) worth consideration and investment.

Liberty Bell reproduction | Liberty Plaza | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Surrounding the Liberty Bell replica fly the flags of the 13 states whose representatives signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring these states independent from Great Britain. The 56 signatories were representatives from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Georgia had three representatives sign the Declaration of Independence: Button Gwinnett, George Walton, and Lyman Hall—the first three signature on the left—whose names are engraved on section of wall around the Liberty Bell.

Statue of Liberty reproduction | Liberty Plaza | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Some may think that this is a replica of Miss Freedom, the statue atop the Gold Dome of the Georgia Capitol Building. It's not, but Miss Freedom has two relative previous names—“Goddess of Liberty” and “Liberty”—which she had before assuming her current title of “Miss Freedom”.

This statue is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, standing a few feet tall at the northwest corner of the Plaza, and was gifted to the City of Atlanta in 1951 by The Boy Scouts of America. The dedication plaque reads, "With the faith and courage of their forefathers who made possible the freedom of these United States...as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty".

Liberty Plaza is open 6am-6pm Monday-Friday. The Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty replicas, previously located on the Capitol grounds, were relocated to prominent locations in the new Plaza and are visible to visitors at all times.

Atlanta by Helicopter

Perhaps the ultimate tour of Atlanta is a helicopter tour of Atlanta! Barry and I recently treated ourselves to a Select Helicopters 45-minute tour of Atlanta, which included the destinations Stone Mountain, Midtown Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the King & Queen Towers in Sandy Springs. It was spectacular!

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I got to sit in the front seat!!! It was so exciting! 

When I was in 10th grade, I wanted nothing more than to be a helicopter pilot. That didn't work out, which is a story I'll share if I ever write an autobiography, but my love for helicopters never faded. It was fun chatting with our very entertaining pilot, Austin.

Flying over Midtown Atlanta was AMAZING! I do not currently live in Midtown (I'm about a 10-minute interstate drive away), but Midtown and Downtown are where I spend a great deal of my leisure time, so I know the areas relatively well. But I'd never seen them from this perspective.

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I've lived in Midtown a number of times, and would love to move back at some point. One Atlantic Center (formerly known as the IBM Tower) was the newest addition to the skyline when I first moved to Atlanta in 1987. It was also Atlanta's tallest building until 1992. 

Its glowing copper roof and Gothic flourishes are unmistakable on the evening Atlanta skyline. I wish I had the words to tell you how special it was to get up close and personal with this amazing skyscraper! 

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I grew up mostly in small towns, some quite charming. But, after living in Athens, Greece, I would forever be a "big city guy". I love visiting quaint small towns, but I love the hustle and bustle of a big city. 

I wasn't sure if we were going to get to fly around Downtown Atlanta on our tour. Depending on major sporting events and other restrictions, it's not always on the tour path. We were fortunate to have amazing weather and getting to see everything we wanted. We even flew directly over Barry's house!

If you're a local or if you've been visiting Atlanta for any period of time, you know how quickly our skyline changes. At the lower right of the above photo you'll see a big patch of Georgia red clay. That's where "Pym Technologies Headquarters" once stood (also the former Georgia Archives Building), demolished only days before our flight.  

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I've seen many professional sports live. Baseball, Basketball, Tennis (I've met Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, and the Bryan Twins), Soccer (I went to two soccer competitions during the 1996 Olympics), Hockey (I've sat chatting distance from Ovechkin's mother while watching the Washington Capitals), but I've never seen a professional Football game. 

That's about to change.

I've long supported the Atlanta Falcons because they're the home team, but I've never seen a live game. The new Mercedes-Benz Stadium is so alluring, I'm sure I'll see a number of Falcons games this coming season!

I've been a soccer fan since high school, when satellite TV first became popular. I'd watch games all over the world and they were on all the time. I first became a fan of Australian Rules Football, and then soccer. Super excited that Atlanta United FC is doing so well...can hardly wait to see them play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium! I'll definitely be attending games--jersey purchase coming up soon!

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Home to the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, and a host of concerts and other events, Philips Arena is an Atlanta icon--I love that they incorporated the word "ATLANTA" into the building's design. They were also home to the Atlanta Thrashers (hockey) before they moved to Canada...I loved that team! 

Today, the Arena attracts global sensations such as Lady Gaga, Chris Brown and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I've been to so many concerts there I can't keep up, but some of the best were Janet Jackson, multiple tours. Also, one time when I was there for a Hawks game, a little kid walked up to me and asked if I was Larry Bird. Adorable as the kid was, I told the truth, that I was just a fellow fan. I'm tall, but can't pass for 6'9"!

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I've visited the Georgia Capitol Building Museum on numerous occasions (and have written about it), but have never been in Liberty Plaza, which has been open for more than two years. With a maximum capacity of more than 3,000 people, the plaza is a "major focal point for large groups to hold public rallies and assemblies both during and between legislative sessions". Call me a conspiracy theorist, but why is the space "sunken" instead of "elevated"? Hmmmm...

If you're a local and wonder where the Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty replicas formerly located on Capitol Building grounds went, they're now in Liberty Plaza! Go visit as a tourist or come on down and protest, like we Americans do so well.

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This is embarrassing, but for years after the Bank of America Plaza was completed (formerly known as Nation's Bank Plaza), I kept wondering when they were going to finish the top. As it turns out, the lattice pyramid atop the skyscraper was originally planned to be glass-covered, so I wasn't totally wrong. That's what I keep telling myself anyway. 

It's been the tallest building in Atlanta since 1992 and I love that it's Art Deco design! You can't miss the eye-catching 90' spire, most of which is covered in gold leaf.

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Did you know that Stone Mountain is Georgia's most visited tourist attraction? I'm not surprised...there's so much to do there, year-round! Actually, I'm not at all surprised because I've known that for years and years. When I first moved here in the late 80s, it was one of the first attractions I visited...and, yes, I climbed to the summit, more than once, on foot.

The view from the top of Stone Mountain is spectacular, but the view of the top of Stone Mountain from a helicopter is even better! Wow! 

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

A staple of Atlantan summer entertainment is the Stone Mountain Laser Show, complete with popular music, fireworks, and fire effects! Bring a blanket and a picnic...it's a great evening on a gorgeous Atlanta spring/summer/autumn evening!

Get to know Stone Mountain intimately at Memorial Hall--which is so much more than a museum! And it'll totally enhance your Park experience! 

Helicopter Tour of Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The final "stop" on our Atlanta helicopter tour was the King & Queen Towers in Sandy Springs. You know how much I love Atlanta, but to not admit that Sandy Springs has it going on, would be totally wrong. There's a lot going on here...check out their amazing restaurants (perhaps start with this year's "Food That Rocks") and their many tourist destinations!

Aside from cutting our tour by 10 minutes, due to a scheduling error on their end, everything about our Select Helicopter tour was fantastic. I do recommend them and I'd happily go for another tour! 

Our flight departed from Peachtree-DeKalb Airport, aka PDK (they have tours originating at Lake Lanier, too). We enjoyed post-flight dinner and drinks at 57th Fighter Group, situated near PDK runways where diners can watch planes (and helicopters) take off and land.

I wish I could share better in words how fantastic it is to see you home city from above. If you have any inclination to go on a helicopter tour...do! 

ATLANTApix: The Olympic Way

The Olympic Way (Capitol Avenue)

The Corporation for Olympic Development in Atlanta (CODA) undertook countless initiatives to improve the beautyscape of Atlanta immediately prior to the Centennial Olympic Games, including the streetscape known as "The Olympic Way."

The 1.5 mile stretch from the Georgia State Capitol to Turner Field (the re-purposed 1996 Olympic stadium) offers handsome vistas of the Atlanta skyline and numerous other features...a nice drive, or walk, on any given day.

I took a friend to the Capitol Avenue DMV (the Department of Motor Vehicles, for my non-U.S. readers) so he could renew his license. During the brief amount of time it took, I walked to Turner Field (making lots of photos along the way), and then back to the State Capitol Building.

The excursion was a win-win.

ATLANTApix and ATLANTAvidz of the tourATLANTA blog features a daily photo or video relative to Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Benjamin Hill

Benjamin Harvey Hill

Benjamin Harvey Hill, depicted in a marble stautue that today resides on the main floor of the Georgia Capitol Building, was actively involved in Georgia politics for three decades with his final title being U.S. Senator for the State of Georgia.

Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, was in Atlanta on this day in 1886 at the behest of Henry Grady, Managing Editor of the Atlanta Constitution, on a trip to speak at the dedication of the Benjamin Hill statue. Davis is one of the three Confederate leaders depicted horseback on Stone Mountain.

ATLANTApix and ATLANTAvidz of the tourATLANTA blog features a daily photo or video relative to Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Button Gwinnett

Button Gwinnett

Button Gwinnett was one of the three signers from the state of Georgia of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This bust (photo), located in the rotunda of the Georgia Capitol Building, commemmorates his contributions to the state.

I recently learned that Button Gwinnett's signature is one of the rarest from Georgia. As a matter of fact, it's so rare that at Southeby's auction in New York last year on April 14, one of only 50 Gwinnett signatures, sold for more than $720,000.

Gwinnett County, located immediately northeast of the Atlanta city limits, is also named for Button and is home to the Mall of Georgia (the largest shopping mall in the southeast), the Southeastern Railway Museum (Georgia's official transportation history musuem), BAPS Temple (the largest Hindu temple in the United States), and Gwinnett Arena (where Lady Gaga will perform on Monday, April 14, 2011).

In additon to signing the Declaration of Independence, Gwinnett also served as Acting President and Commander in Chief of Georgia.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: No-Cost Atlanta

Chandelier at the Georgia Governor's Mansion

I find myself shocked, amazed, and totally baffled when I hear people say "I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do." Now, when I hear "There's nothing on TV," that I'm inclined to agree with, but will never agree that there's nothing to do. There is so much to do in Atlanta and lots of it is available without an exchange of currency.

For example, tours of the Georgia Governor's Mansion (photo) cost nothing and it's an amazing tour. Tours of the Georgia Capitol Building are also a no-cost outing and they have an intriguing museum on the fourth floor. There are free concerts at Centennial Olympic Park on a regular basis. And there's always something going on in Piedmont Park, such as films, festivals, charity walks, as there are in other public parks in Atlanta.

Those are only a few of the many examples of things to do in Atlanta. For those on a tight budget looking for something to do, scroll through my blog and at the end of each post you'll find the cost (or no cost) for the tour in question. It's an easy way to find something to do on those days when the plague of boredom visits.

While you're here, subscribe (right column) to receive regular posts of new places to visit and new exhibits to see. Happy touring!

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Miss Freedom

Miss Freedom (Georgia State Capitol)

Miss Freedom, also known as The Lady of the House, has "stood watch over the Georgia Capitol for more than a century, her sword ready to fight for justice and equality, her torch raised to light the way toward truth..." 

Miss Freedom has kept her perch on the gilded gold dome of the Capitol Building (save one relatively recent restoration period) since its dedication on July 4, 1889.

The Capitol that Miss Freedom stands over so majestically is called "A Symbol of the New South," a testament that Georgia had indeed embraced the new government following the U.S. Civil War. The Capitol Building is also known as "The People's House" for its open format and availability for public use.

Free tours of the Georgia State Capitol are available to the public Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except for holidays.

During that tour, you'll see a model of Miss Freedom (photo) and learn that she is a statuesque 22.5 feet tall and weighs a healthy 1,250 pounds. Although she appears to be a solid bronze statue, the figure is made from thin copper plates.

During the renovation, Miss Freedom was lifted from the dome of the Capitol Building by helicopter (imagine seeing that during your commute to work) and trucked to Canada to revive her stately splendor.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Two-headed Cow

Two-headed Cow at the Georgia Capitol Museum

"The Georgia Capitol Museum is almost as old as the Capitol itself. In 1889 the General Assembly revived the Office of State Geologist. The legislation directed the geologist to complete a survey of Georgia and to create a museum. The exhibit would demonstrate the state's natural and economic resources. The collections grew quickly and spread throughout the building. Over the years the museum's emphasis expanded as new displays joined the old, educating generations of Georgia schoolchildren and other visitors."

Of all the artifacts in the Georgia Capitol Museum, the two-headed cow has consistently remained a favorite of visitors touring Atlanta both young and seasoned, local and international. Coincidentally, there was a two-headed cow born in the Republic of Georgia earlier this month.

The Museum is always on the look out for new artifacts to tell the story of the Georgia Capitol. If you have an item(s) that you would like to donate, contact the Museum.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Georgia on My Mind

Georgia State Capitol Building

As I reflect on 2010, the one thing that I'm happiest about is being "home" again...in Atlanta.

"What's so great about it," one might ask. So many things come to mind, but to name a few: her majestic skyline; her international culture; her phenomenal arts scene; her palette of restaurants; her moderate climate; all her incredible attractions and events...but most of all, I can say with 100% confidence, the best thing about Atlanta is her people.

Atlanta is the heart and soul of southern hospitality. I've never met friendlier people...people from all walks of  life, from every socioeconomic  background, from children to young professionals to Atlanta's cherished seniors, you'll not find a more beautiful hive of generosity and kindness.

By the way, today's photo is the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building, topped with the statue "Freedom," where the American and Georgia flags fly every day.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: The Giant Tricycle

The Giant Tricycle

Atlanta has the reputation for being a beautiful city for many reasons. One of those is its public art. Sometimes the subject of that art is elegant and beautiful, sometimes it's totally fun and whimsical. The Giant Tricycle near Underground Atlanta is one of the latter.

I was at this location a few weeks ago with a friend visiting from Washington, D.C. We agreed that the tricycle is more than just fun, it's located at a fantastic vantage point. 

From where I was standing when I took this photo, I could see the tower at Underground Atlanta where on New Year's Eve an 800-pound Peach will descend for a crowd of 175,000 anticipation-filled people to ring in 2011.

Also within sight are the golden dome of the Georgia Capitol Building and the Visitor Center of the Atlanta Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Georgia Capitol Building: Under the Gold Dome

Georgia Capitol Building

The unmistakable gold dome of the Georgia Capitol Building shines like a beacon in the Atlanta skyline that marks the center of Georgia state government and the heart of "The New South." The Georgia Capitol's similarity to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was intentional. It served as a message that post-Civil War Georgia government was reaffirming its ties and loyalties to the federal government.

The exterior of the dome was, however, not always gold. Sixty-nine years after it opened its doors in 1889, the people of Dahlonega, Georgia, donated 40 ounces of gold to guild the dome—a publicity move advertising that the first gold rush in the United states in fact took place in their community. The dome was immediately gilded, in 1958, and has since been re-gilded twice.

On the particular chilly morning I visited the Capitol, I had the pleasure of an individual guided tour of the Capitol Building.

Georgia Capitol Rotunda

The Rotunda

We started in the Rotunda where the dome's ceiling towered three stories above us; portraits and marble busts of famous Americans (some Georgians) surrounded us; and a Georgia marble and glass floor supported and illuminated us.

Standing in the center of the Rotunda, on the second floor, one can see all four sides of the building. Also on this level, in the east and west wings, are portraits of former Governors, including the only Georgian to ever be elected to the office of President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

The one exception of the Governor-theme portrait exhibit on the second floor (portraits of other notable statesmen appear on other floors) is that of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was placed by then-Governor, Jimmy Carter, to symbolize the changing landscape of Georgia government.

The Legislative Chambers

The General Assembly chambers are located on the third floor of the Capitol Building. Photographs of the chambers are permitted when the General Assembly is not in session…a rare opportunity, I thought. Photography throughout the remainder of the Capitol Building is, again surprisingly, permitted.

Georgia Capitol House Chamber

The House of Representatives (180 members) chamber is on the west side of the building. Although the House was not in session when I visited, there were meetings taking place when we arrived. My tour guide took me inside the entryway of the chamber and pointed out that one of the two in-process meetings was likely an orientation for recently elected Representatives.

The Georgia State Senate (56 members) chamber is on the east side of the Capitol Building. An upstairs gallery, open to the public when the Senate is in session, was also a stop on my tour.
A school group was visiting the Senate chamber and their tour guide gave them the opportunity to sit in the "big chair" and make photographs—an excellent enticement to encourage youngsters to learn more about State Government, I think.

Georgia Capitol Museum

Georgia Capitol Museum,
Two-headed Cow

Since soon after the Capitol Building opened, the position of State Geologist was created and tasked with obtaining and displaying geological specimens to promote Georgia's natural resources.

The ensuing museum, located on the Capitol's fourth floor, evolved over the years to include taxidermy, which eventually overcrowded the museum space.

Today, the Georgia Capitol Museum showcases the Capitol and Georgia government, but also contains many artifacts from the original collection, including some oddities such as a two-headed cow (popular with visitors) that was born in Georgia.

At the conclusion of the tour, an information-packed 30 minutes, my tour guide released me to explore the Capitol Building to my heart's content.

Capitol Hill

The Georgia Capitol grounds is adorned with statuary monuments, the first placed in 1907. Individuals whose likeness has been immortalized in bronze for visiting Georgians and visitors include John Brown Gordon (the first Georgia Governor to serve in Atlanta), Joseph E. Brown, Richard B. Russell, Eugene Talmadge, Herman Talmadge, Jimmy Carter, and Ellis Amall.

Towering Magnolia trees, the pinnacle botanical expression of the South, surround the Capitol on all sides.

Georgia Capitol

Other Notes

Scandalous at the time, the exterior of the Capitol Building is covered in sandstone from Indiana. Commendable, even today, the construction of the Capitol, featuring Georgia marble and other local materials, came in under budget—a remarkable feat for any government, right?

The Georgia Capitol Building was recently renovated to look as it did when its doors opened in 1889, including the wall colors and the light fixtures, which are exact replicas (other than their being electric instead of gas powered).

The Georgia Capitol Building became a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The National Park Service of the Department of the Interior recognized the Capitol Building as "an outstanding structure, both architecturally and historically."

As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I think one very cool opportunity is the ability to acquire a commemorative flag, one that has flown over the Georgia Capitol Building, to be presented to members of the armed services or to other citizens in recognition of certain milestones. It's as easy as completing a form and contributing a nominal fee.

Surprisingly, the building is very open, in design and access, so much so that it's garnered the nickname "The People's House."

The building's north and south wings are available, free of charge (the space is free, catering and other services are available for charge) and relatively easy to reserve, for events such as a press conference, meeting, speech or ceremony.

Return or Revoke

Does my impression with the Georgia Capitol Building warrant a return visit? I will be more than happy to play tour guide for visiting friends and family (and may even soon return on my own). The Capitol is easy to get to, easy to tour, and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Georgia and its government. Personally, I vote for a return visit.

Touring the Georgia Capitol Building

Date toured: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Location: 214 State Capitol (directions and map)
Parking: For a nominal fee - Steve Polk Plaza parking lot (next to the old World of Coca-Cola building) and the public lot at Underground Atlanta, located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.
Cost: Free
Hours:
Self-guided tours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday
Check the website for blackout dates and times.
Closed weekends and holidays
Website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/archives/state_capitol/

Georgia Capitol