ons are of the most solid character.

Atlanta is the third city in the United States in the amount of insurance
written and reported to agencies. It is the Southern headquarters for a
number of fire and life insurance companies, and agencies of old-line and
every other type of insurance are numerous.

[Illustration: ARAGON HOTEL.]

[Illustration: PIEDMONT HOTEL.]

The educational facilities of Atlanta are fully treated in a separate
chapter, in which it appears that this city is abreast of the times in
this as in other respects. Atlanta early established a system of public
schools, and before almost any city in the South, turned its attention to
technical education. The Technological School was established by the State
of Georgia upon inducements offered by the city of Atlanta, which bore
half of the cost of the original plant, and contributes regularly to the
support of the institution. There is ample opportunity here for technical
instruction of other kinds, and Atlanta has three medical colleges, whose
attendance averages 600, to say nothing of the students of the dental
colleges. Technical instruction in business methods is not neglected, and
several large and flourishing business colleges have maintained themselves
here for many years.

The religious and social atmosphere of Atlanta is wholesome and
invigorating. It is a city of churches and the home of church-going
people, and the community is honey-combed with fraternal organizations.

The social intercourse of the people, as well as the facility for doing
business, is greatly aided by an ideal system of rapid transit, not only
from the residence and suburban sections to the center, but from one
residence portion to another. The neighborly spirit is enhanced by the
nearness thus artificially created.

With all these advantages, and many which appear more fully in subsequent
chapters. Atlanta has a wholesome and inspiring public spirit which never
fails to respond when the interests of the city are at stake. This is
perhaps the most distinctive thing about Atlanta.

[Illustration: GRANT PARK.]

The New Atlanta.

Population, Area and Government.

Atlanta's population is estimated at 105,600. By the census of 1900 it was
89,872. The census of 1880 gave Atlanta a population of 39,000, and by the
city assessment of the next year the real estate was valued at
$14,721,883, and the personal property at $7,474,258. By 1890 the
population had grown to