What Lies Beneath The Streets Of This Georgia City Is Creepy Yet Amazing

Atlanta, Georgia is home to intriguing cultural history and rich, developmental days of yore. But much of the history that surrounds this wonderful city lies underground. What's commonly called the "City Beneath the Streets" is an underground city in Georgia with an impressive amount of antiquity right underneath your feet. Right before the Civil War began, Atlanta became a sprawling metropolis in the South. This made it an ideal haven for Confederates, but also a treacherous target for the Union army.

In the late 1800s, Atlanta began rebuilding itself by incorporating new buildings, banks, and railways. Eventually, the population in Atlanta doubled, creating a need for a much better infrastructure. This new construction took place in the 1920s, and merchants began to move their operations to the second floor of their buildings, turning the original ground floors' storefronts into basements for storage and service.

By the end of the 1920s, the street level had been raised by one and a half stories. For the next 40 years, Atlanta continued to grow, but now at the "new" street level. Hence, this left the underground city in Georgia, a 12-acre area both abandoned and forgotten. Years later, the city decided to restore it - dubbing it Underground Atlanta - and opened it up to the public.

We think it's truly amazing how so much history is below our feet every day in Atlanta. It's strange to know that what went on underground during the war is now a cultural hot spot and tourist destination. However, lately, many visitors are saying that Underground Atlanta can be a wasteland at times—creepy with its emptiness and darkness.

But, don't just take our word for it. Take a look at what this underground city in Georgia looks like today and see for yourself:

The city under Atlanta is in the commercial Five Points neighborhood.

In the 1960s, original brickwork (such as what you see in this photo) was rediscovered and survived intact.

A constitutional amendment was passed in Georgia naming Underground Atlanta a historic site.

On April 8, 1969, "Underground Atlanta" officially opened with new restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and music venues installed in the old individual storefronts of these former Atlanta underground tunnels.

During one of the most profitable years for this city under Atlanta, $17 million was generated from attracting patrons and other revenue streams.

However, throughout the year, this underground city in Georgia has consistently struggled to attract consistent visitors.

The Atlanta underground tunnels that were once a forgotten part of the city are now a place for shopping and nightlife.

However, this underground city in Georgia has become a conundrum that leaves tourists befuddled and struggles to attract locals.

What do you think of Underground Atlanta? It does seem to add to the creepiness factor that it's so dark and desolate. But what is truly amazing is the rich history behind it and the fact that the walls hold stories of the Civil War and years of rebuilding.

Have you visited this underground city in Georgia? If so, what were your impressions? Let us know in the comments below.

If you'd like to explore some more, take a look at these underground places in Georgia. I also suggest taking a look at Airbnb Experiences for more unique ways to spend some time when you're in The Peach State.