Palmetto is a small town in Fulton County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. As of the 2010 Census, 4,488 people lived in Palmetto. Unfortunately, for tourists, there isn’t much to do in Palmetto.

However, an adventurous urban hiker might come across some historical markers.

  • Palmetto historical marker. Located on U.S. 29 in Palmetto, Georgia, this historical marker marks a spot where soldiers camped on their way to Mexico and the Mexican American War in January 1847.
  • Confederate Army of Tennessee historical markerThis historical marker highlights the retreat from Atlanta by the Confederate Army of Tennessee on September 2, 1864. In many ways, this historical marker signals the beginning of the end for the Confederates.

The seat of the Confederate government sat in Palmetto for a short time. Confederate President Jefferson Davis gave a famous speech to troops in the area to a “serenading Louisiana band.” However, history would record the Confederates eventually losing the war, making the Confederate Army of Tennessee’s historical marker poignant in its display.

Palmetto Today

Perhaps as much as any other southern town, Palmetto represents shifting population demographics. The 2000 Census showed racial breakdown as 47.41% White and 44.18% Black. The 2010 Census shows the racial breakdown as 56.9% Black and 26.9% White.

As Atlanta’s suburbs have become ethnically diverse, much of the local political makeup has shifted from more conservative values. In contrast, many of those who live in Atlanta’s suburbs work in the Atlanta metro area.