The city of Marietta, Georgia has come a long way since its modest beginnings. Originally, the town consisted of a few homes built near an Indian trail at the base of Kennesaw Mountain. After a group of plantation owners moved to town, the city truly began to grow into what residents know it as today.

This growth could be attributed in large part to one man: John Glover. John Glover had such a positive impact on the town that he went on to become its first mayor. In addition, what's now known as Marietta Square was first called Glover Square. After fire destroyed the first Cobb County Courthouse, John Glover donated the land on which it sat, with the condition that it always remains a park or it would revert to his heirs.

Glover Park still exists today, albeit as a small portion of modern Marietta Square. Even the town's present-day courthouse is situated in Marietta Square, this time on the southeast corner opposite Glover Park. Many other attractions are located in and around Marietta Square, including a replica of the Liberty Bell (dedicated to former mayor Glover), a welcome center (once an 1898 train depot), and the Marietta Fire Museum.

Though the Fire Museum offers visitors a look at vintage fire equipment and insight into old firefighting techniques, it's also a large part of Marietta's history. Downtown Marietta has twice fallen victim to a catastrophic fire, leveling many buildings located in the heart of the city. However, fire and even warfare were not enough to hinder the city's growth. With over 60,000 residents, its continuing development shows no signs of slowing down, and its past will always remain important and respected no matter how large it grows.