SMYRNA, Ga. — Belmont Hills is not a tourist attraction. Today, it’s not much of anything other than a pile of rubble.
But, what was once one of the largest shopping centers when it opened in 1950 is an important landmark — if that’s the right word — in the development of Smyrna. Given the urban sprawl that is Metro Atlanta, it’s easy to overlook the histories of the dozens of cities scattered throughout the region.
But that’s where the Smyrna Museum comes in. Since it officially opened on April 25, 1999, the Smyrna Museum is dedicated to keeping alive the stories that make the Jonquil City unique — from images of the city’s past to artifacts from important events in history.
Located in a replica of the city’s railroad depot that was built in 1910 and razed in 1959, the museum is home to thousands of photographs, a number of exhibits and other displays, the museum is also home to a number of genealogical research materials.
While admission is free, the museum, which is operated by volunteers, does accept donations. For more information, log onto www.smyrnahistory.org.