Atlanta Journal - Dec. 15, 1883
Railroads Come to Atlanta - 1845
Excerpt by Brenda 

In 1845 Marthasville was too small to be called a village.
The four, now principal streets of the city were then straggling country roads, and the only clearing of any importance was right at their junction.  Only about twelve to 14 families resided here, and the entire population was estimated to be about 100 souls.  The dwellings were mostly log cabins, such as today may be seen on the frontier in the West.  On the sw corner of Marietta and Peachtree Streets stood a small grocery store, owned by Jonathan Norcross; fronting this stood Kile's grocery store, and down near the Markham House now stands a grocery store kept by Collins & Loyd.  In the rear of the republic block, on Pryor St., stood a 2-story frame bldg which was used by the ofcrs of the Western and Atlanta railroad.  On Peachtree St., near the site of the First Methodist Church, stood a small, wooden building, used as a school-house, church and public hall.  These were the most notable features of that time.
On Sept. 15th 1845 the Ga Railroad was completed to Augusta, and the first through train came to Marthasville, bearing Judge John P. King, the president of the road, and several other railway magnates and distinguished persons.  The scene in the neighborhood of the depot can better be imagined than described.  Almost the whole population were present, and the wildest excitement prevailed.  Farmers in the country, for 40 miles around, had heard of the advent of the iron horse, for days, and when the time arrived they were on hand in force.  Some came in one-ox carts, with their families, and from the supply of provisions which they brought it was evident that they intended to have a jubilee.  Atlanta has had bigger crowds, but never one so wild & delirious with excitement.  The locomotive was eagerly inspected, the cars were examined inside and out, the engineer and fireman were interviewed, the conductor was looked upon as a hero, the president of the railroad and the other distinguished gentlemen were heartily welcomed.  The enthusiasm of the people knew no bounds, and in accordance with the times a mass meeting was held.  The place chosen was about a half a mile northwest of the depot, Walton Spring. The names of the speakers have not been handed down to this generation, but among them was Colonel John M. Clark, the father of our well-known fellow citizen, Colonel E. Y. Clark.  An old gentleman present at this meeting informed the writer that the address was a masterpiece of eloquence and created tremendous enthusiasm.  The speaker pictured, in a prophetic way, the future of Atlanta, dwelt upon the importance of commercial facilities and speaking of the Georgia road said "that its completion had 'tied the ocean to the hills'."

(Note transcript is not word for word as the article appeared as I have abbreviated terms and had to guess at some of the words.  I believe the Walton Springs is correct as I have seen that in other places, but could be Waldon. )