"Unbounded by river, mountains, or lack of nerve, Atlanta has a compelling story to tell-- of upstart boosterism, remarkable recovery after disasters, commercial creativity, and leadership in human rights. Metropolitan Frontiers offers a fast-paced survey of Atlanta's history and an introduction to its chief political, civic, and business leaders, as well as an overview of the main events of urban development and physical and municipal changes. Readers meet ferryman James Mc. Montgomery, New South spokesman Henry Grady, educator W.E. B. Du Bois, Coca-Cola magnates Asa Candler and Robert Woodruff, entrepreneur Alonzo Herndon, and mayors Ivan Allen, William Hartsfield, Andrew Young, and Maynard Jackson. The book skirts no tragedies or major conflicts in Atlanta's history, discussing some of the unprecedented events of social history that have occurred in Georgia's capitol city--the race riot of 1906, the lynching of Leo Frank, streetcar strikes, and civil rights demonstrations. Packed with photos and handy topical headings, Metropolitan Frontiers is designed as an essential "first read" on Atlanta history for visitors, residents, students, newcomers--even oldtimers who tend to take the history for granted but still love hearing the stories." --page [4] of cover.