Did You Know?

TRIVIA

Did You Know?
Kikiy Weathers

Question:
Did you know that the site on which Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport lies was not planned for an airport?

Answer:
Interestingly enough, the airport site was originally a racetrack! However, on April 16, 1925, Atlanta Mayor Walter A. Sims signed a five-year lease on an abandoned auto racetrack, committing the City to develop it into an airfield. The 287-acre site was named Candler Field after Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler. The following year, the first commercial flight landed on Candler Field. Seeing its potential, the City of Atlanta purchased the land and changed the name to Atlanta Municipal Airport.

From abandoned racetrack to world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has come a long way. To learn more interesting facts about Hartsfield-Jackson, click here.