CITYLAB: MARIETTA
About the Community
"The City of Atlanta is home to populations vulnerable to environmental injustice with racial disparities in access to greenspace, as well as both racial and linguistic disparities in proximity to pollution. Besides greater exposures to environmental pollution, environmental injustice has manifested as a lack of minority inclusion in environmental projects and decision-making."
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-Chattahoochee RiverLands
Photograph of Atlanta, GA
Photograph of the Chattahoochee River in Vinings, GA
The History of the Chattahoochee River
The word "Chattahoochee" means "painted rock" one of the Indigenous American languages. The Chattahoochee River was and still is the longest river in Georgia.
-The Historical Marker Database
Image of the Mason-Turner Ferry on the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County in 1903. [Image taken from Atlanta History Center]
Get to Know the River
The Chattahoochee River has played a major role in shaping the history, development, and culture of Georgia. The river's story begins long before recorded history. There is archaeological evidence indicating human habitation along its banks dating back to at least 1000 BC (Chattahoochee Parks). The river served as a source of food, water, and transportation for indigenous tribes like the Creek and Cherokee, much like it does now for modern-day residents (Chattahoochee Parks).
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During the Civil War, the Chattahoochee River held considerable strategic importance. Its defense was crucial for the Confederacy (Georgia Encyclopedia). The CSS Chattahoochee, a Confederate warship, used the river as its home port during this period (City of Chattahoochee).
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In the 20th century, the Chattahoochee River underwent significant changes. Congress passed legislation in 1944 and 1945 to improve navigation, establish hydroelectric power, and create recreational facilities through a series of dams and reservoirs (Wikipedia). These projects, while bringing economic benefits, also submerged numerous historic and prehistoric sites.
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In recent decades, there has been a growing focus on conservation and sustainable use of the Chattahoochee River. Organizations like the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, established in 1994, advocate for the preservation of the river's environment and ecology (Wikipedia). The Chattahoochee RiverLands project, a modern initiative, aims to create 100 miles of new trails and parks, connecting 19 cities across 7 counties (Trust for Public Land).
Get to Know My Connection
The Chattahoochee River is very special to me. I have very fond memories of bike riding and hiking with my parents by this river. I still do these recreational activities to this day.​ As an adult, I run to bodies of water whenever I am stressed as a form of self care.
When I was a child, it wasn't uncommon for me to watch breaking news about crocodiles finding their way to my beloved river, rendering it unsafe for the public from time to time. I can't imagine a life without the river, let alone any body of water.
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However, this river is not just my river. It's our river. The river does not just serve Georgian residents or crocodiles, but Alabaman and Floridian residents also benefit from its resources.
My River.
Our River.
Why the Chattahoochee?
Get to Know Why This River Matters
The Chattahoochee River is the most heavily used surface water resource in Georgia (GA Rivers). GA Rivers states that the river is used for several activities including drinking (it supplies 70% of Atlanta's drinking water), municipal and industrial uses (with 169 facilities authorized to discharge wastewater into the river in 2008), agricultural uses, energy uses (with power-generating plants strategically placed along the main stem of the river), and impoundments.
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Essentially, this river touches on various aspects of Georgian lives, making it extremely important for sustainable livability.
Fieldwork Area(s)
Most of my life, I've had access to the Chattahoochee River. These areas in Cobb County (Marietta, Vinings, and Smyrna, for instance) are oftentimes clean and safe. Through observation, one will notice that residents who access the river in these locations are typically privileged.
As shown in the Demographic map to the right, there are increasing areas of diversity in Marietta, Smyrna, and Vinings where I currently live and actively participate as a community member. Thus, much of my fieldwork will occur in these areas to observe how this demographic change impacts livability in the area.
Demographic Map of Increasing Diversity in Communities Around the River. [Captured from Chattahoochee Riverlands]