Think back to the 1800s. We are standing in what was then called Stump Town. Why Stump Town? Because so many trees had been cut down. They provided fuel for the trains going to and from Atlanta.
This is Forest Park. It is a city with a unique past. It sits about nine miles south of Atlanta. Forest Park is part of the Atlanta metro area.
The city officially became Forest Park in 1908. Before that, it had a few other names. People called it Quick Station, Aster, and Forrest Station. You may notice something interesting. Until the 1950s, Forest Park had two “R”s in its name.
Forest Park started as a wood and water stop. This was for the growing railroad system. It was the third stop from Atlanta. This was on the Macon and Western Railroad. The community got its name from the parklike setting.
Fort Gillem was founded in 1941 nearby. It became part of Forest Park in 1973. This added 1,465 acres to the city.
Forest Park has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2020, the census counted 19,932 people living here.
The city offers a lot of things to do. There are over 70 acres of walking trails. Several parks and playgrounds dot the area. You can visit the Atlanta State Farmer’s Market too. Shopping is available at several plazas.
Getting around is easy in Forest Park. Interstate 75 and 285 pass through here. US Routes 19 and 41 are also nearby. For air travel, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is close. MARTA, the local transit system, serves Forest Park. There are even plans for commuter rail service.
Many notable people have called Forest Park home. General Philip M. Breedlove once commanded U.S. European Command. Russel L. Honoré led Joint Task Force Katrina. Rappers Lil Gotit and Lil Keed hail from here. Cindy Schreyer is a professional golfer and NCAA champion. Tanya Snyder co-owns the Washington Commanders. Terrell Starr serves in the Georgia State Senate. Roscoe Thompson is a retired NASCAR driver. Hines Ward played wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Forest Park has a fascinating story. From its start as Stump Town to its present day, it has changed a lot. Its location near Atlanta and its history connected to the railroad have shaped its identity. Next time you pass through, remember the story of Forest Park.