The Tragic History Behind the Construction of Six Flags Over Georgia

The Tragic History Behind Six Flags Over Georgia

Nestled in the hilly outskirts of Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia has brought laughter and joy to generations of families. With its thrilling rollercoasters, kid-friendly attractions, and lively atmosphere, it's hard to imagine that this beloved theme park was born out of tragedy.

The Forced Removal of the Muscogee People

Long before Six Flags Over Georgia was conceived, the land it sits on was home to the Muscogee tribe, also known as the Creek Nation. This Indigenous tribe inhabited much of the Southeastern United States for centuries. They were deeply connected to the land, building villages, growing crops, and hunting game across the rolling hills and forests of what is now metro Atlanta.

In the early 1800s, the United States government began systematically removing tribes from the Southeast through the Indian Removal Act. This act allowed the government to forcibly displace Native Americans from their ancestral homelands and march them westward towards Oklahoma. Despite their fierce resistance, the Muscogee were rounded up by the U.S. Army and forced to leave Georgia in 1827. Over 15,000 men, women and children were made to walk the 800-mile route known as the Trail of Tears. Thousands perished along the way from disease, starvation and exposure to the elements.

Henry Austin: From Slave Owner to Amusement Park Tycoon

Decades after the Muscogee removal, the former tribal land was divided into parcels and sold off to white American settlers. One of those settlers was Henry Austin, an entrepreneur and former slave owner from Savannah, Georgia. Austin purchased over 1,600 acres of the former Muscogee territory in Cobb County in 1867. Here, he established a cotton plantation which relied heavily on slave labor.

After the Civil War and abolition of slavery, Austin was forced to reconsider his business model. He eventually sold off portions of his land near the new railroad to be developed into a town called Austell. At the same time, traveling fairs and amusement parks were rising in popularity around the country. In the late 1880s, Austin saw a business opportunity. He decided to develop a portion of his land into a public attraction called Austin on the River.

The Birth of Six Flags Over Georgia

Austin on the River featured pastoral picnic grounds, a racing track, as well as music and vaudeville shows. While popular with Atlantans, it struggled to turn a profit and ultimately closed down. In the 1960s, Austin's granddaughter Emily sold the land to a pair of entrepreneurs. They partnered with the Six Flags corporation to open Six Flags Over Georgia in 1967.

The Six Flags name was inspired by the six nations that have ruled over Georgia since its founding: Spain, France, Britain, the Confederate States of America, the United States of America and the State of Georgia. The original park featured sections themed around each nation, with buildings, rides, costumes and cuisine to match. Visitors could stroll from an old west town to a European village within the park's grounds.

A Complex and Controversial Legacy

On the surface, Six Flags Over Georgia offered family-friendly entertainment and historical education. However, many have noted the insensitive nature of the park's theming and branding. Building an amusement park on land that was forcibly taken from Native Americans just decades earlier was arguably in poor taste. And while Six Flags educated guests about Georgia's six ruling nations, it left out the stories of the land's Indigenous inhabitants.

Over the years, Six Flags made token efforts to acknowledge Native American history by adding statue displays and naming a water ride "Davy Crockett's Plantation." But many criticized these gestures as hollow political correctness. In recent years, the park has shifted away from overt theming around colonial America. But its very name remains a painful reminder of Georgia's history of conquest for some.

Recent Controversies and Changes

Issues around cultural representation are not the only controversies to embroil the park. Safety concerns have arisen around aging infrastructure leading to accidents and malfunctions. In 2018, a log flume derailment injured multiple riders. And in 2020, the park received backlash for flying the Confederate flag. This led to a new ban prohibiting flags other than the U.S., Georgia and park flags from being displayed on property.

However, Six Flags Over Georgia remains a beloved Atlanta institution that has brought joy to generations. Recent expansions, like new dc Comics and thrill ride areas show the park is focused on moving forward. Efforts have been made to modernize, improve accessibility and update insensitive branding. While its complex origins can't be erased, Six Flags continues working to bring inclusive, contemporary entertainment to Atlanta families.

Key Takeaways

• Six Flags Over Georgia was built on land that was once home to the Muscogee Creek Nation, who were forcibly removed by the U.S. government along the Trail of Tears.
• The land was later purchased by Henry Austin, a former slave owner turned amusement park entrepreneur.
• Six Flags Over Georgia first opened in 1967 with historical theming that many considered insensitive to Native Americans.
• Recent efforts have been made to update rides and remove controversial theming, but issues around representation and safety remain.
• Though its past is complex, Six Flags continues to be an iconic Atlanta attraction that brings joy to families.

FAQs

Why is the park named Six Flags Over Georgia?

The name refers to the six nations that have ruled over Georgia since its founding: Spain, France, Britain, the Confederate States of America, the United States of America and the State of Georgia. Sections of the original park featured theming around each nation.

Who founded Six Flags Over Georgia?

The land Six Flags sits on was originally owned by Henry Austin, an entrepreneur and former slave owner. In the 1960s, his granddaughter Emily sold the land to a pair of businessmen who partnered with Six Flags corporation to open the park.

What Native American tribe lived on the land before it became a theme park?

The Muscogee Creek Nation inhabited the rolling hills and forests where Six Flags Over Georgia now sits. In the 1800s, they were forcibly removed and marched west along the Trail of Tears by the U.S. government.

Has Six Flags received criticism over cultural sensitivity?

Yes, building an amusement park on land where Native Americans were displaced has been called insensitive. Efforts to incorporate colonial theming and token representations of indigenous people have also faced criticism.

What major changes has the park made recently?

Recent expansions have added new DC comics and thrill ride areas. Controversial theming has been removed in favor of more contemporary decor. Policies have also been added to improve accessibility and safety.