How to Visit the Atlanta Work Progress Administration

The phrase Atlanta Work Progress Administration is often misunderstood and for good reason. There is no current government agency or physical location officially named the Atlanta Work Progress Administration. The Work Progress Administration (WPA), established in 1935 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal, was a federal employment program that operated until 1943. It funded public works projects across the United States, including in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, the WPA no longer exists, but its legacy lives on in the infrastructure, art, and cultural institutions it helped build.

When people search for How to Visit the Atlanta Work Progress Administration, they are typically seeking to explore historic WPA sites in Atlanta such as murals, bridges, parks, libraries, and public buildings that were constructed or funded during the 1930s and early 1940s. These sites are not operated by a modern agency called the WPA, but rather by the City of Atlanta, the National Park Service, local museums, or educational institutions. This guide will help you navigate the real-world locations tied to the WPAs legacy in Atlanta, how to access them, and how to appreciate their historical significance.

Understanding the difference between the historical WPA and todays preservation efforts is essential. This tutorial will not only show you where to go, but also how to interpret what youre seeing transforming a simple visit into an educational and immersive experience. Whether youre a history buff, a local resident, a student, or a tourist, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to explore Atlantas WPA heritage with confidence and depth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the physical remnants of the Work Progress Administration in Atlanta requires a blend of research, planning, and on-site exploration. Follow these seven steps to ensure a meaningful and well-informed visit.

Step 1: Understand What the WPA Actually Built in Atlanta

Before setting foot anywhere, familiarize yourself with the types of projects the WPA funded in Atlanta. The agency employed millions nationwide to construct roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, parks, and public buildings. In Atlanta, key projects included:

• Atlantas first public swimming pools
• Stone walls and pathways in Piedmont Park
• The Atlanta Central Library (original structure)
• Artworks in post offices and courthouses
• Reconstruction of the Atlanta Municipal Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson)
• Drainage systems and sewer lines
• Historic markers and monuments

These were not just infrastructure projects they were community investments. Many WPA structures still serve their original purpose today, making them living pieces of history.

Step 2: Research and Map Your Target Sites

Start by compiling a list of verified WPA sites in Atlanta. Use authoritative sources such as:

• The National Archives WPA project database
• The Atlanta History Centers digital archives
• The Georgia Historical Society
• The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)

Once youve identified 35 sites of interest, use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot them. Prioritize locations that are geographically clustered to minimize travel time. For example, the Atlanta Central Library, Piedmont Park, and the old Post Office on Forsyth Street are all within a 2-mile radius ideal for a single-day walking tour.

Step 3: Check Accessibility and Hours

Unlike a modern museum, many WPA sites are public infrastructure meaning they are open 24/7, but not always easily accessible. For example:

• Piedmont Parks WPA stone walls and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
• The Atlanta Central Library is open MondaySaturday, but the original WPA-era reading room may require a guided tour.
• Post office murals are inside federal buildings access may be restricted to business hours, and security screening may apply.

Always verify current access policies. Call ahead or check official websites for any temporary closures, renovations, or special events that might affect your visit.

Step 4: Prepare Your Visit

Bring the following items to enhance your experience:

• A notebook or smartphone for taking notes or photos
• A camera with a zoom lens (for detailed artwork)
• A printed or digital map of your route
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A bottle of water and light snacks
• A guidebook or app with WPA site descriptions (see Tools and Resources section)

Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Many WPA sites are outdoors, and Atlantas climate can be humid and unpredictable. Rain or heat may impact your ability to explore fully.

Step 5: On-Site Exploration

When you arrive at a site, take a moment to observe before rushing to photograph. Look for:

• Stone carvings or inscriptions that say WPA or Works Progress Administration
• Architectural details like wrought iron railings, concrete basins, or decorative brickwork
• Public art murals, sculptures, or mosaics often signed by artists employed by the WPAs Federal Art Project
• Plaques or markers installed by historical societies

Many WPA structures were built to last and they do. Notice the craftsmanship: the precision of hand-laid stone, the durability of poured concrete, the quality of timber used in benches. These are not mass-produced materials. They were made by skilled laborers paid fair wages during a time of national crisis.

Step 6: Document and Reflect

After visiting each site, pause to reflect. Ask yourself:

• Who might have built this? What were their lives like?
• How did this structure change the neighborhood?
• Why was it deemed important enough to fund during the Great Depression?

Take a photo of any signage or plaques. Record the date, time, and location. If youre using a journal, write down your impressions. This personal documentation turns a casual outing into a meaningful historical record.

Step 7: Share Your Experience

Help preserve awareness by sharing what youve learned. Post your photos and stories on social media using hashtags like

WPAAtlanta, #NewDealHistory, or #AtlantaHeritage. Tag local historical societies or preservation groups. Consider writing a short blog post or submitting your findings to the Atlanta History Centers community archive. Public engagement helps ensure these sites remain protected and appreciated.

Best Practices

Visiting historic infrastructure requires more than just showing up. To honor the legacy of the WPA and ensure your experience is respectful, safe, and educational, follow these best practices.

Respect the Integrity of the Structures

WPA buildings and artworks are not museum exhibits they are functional parts of the city. Do not climb on walls, carve initials, or remove debris. Avoid using flash photography near murals, as UV light can degrade pigments over time. If a site has a Do Not Touch sign, abide by it. These structures survived decades of weather, wear, and urban growth your restraint helps them survive decades more.

Support Local Preservation Efforts

Many WPA sites are maintained by nonprofit organizations or city departments with limited budgets. Consider donating to the Atlanta History Center, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, or the Friends of Piedmont Park. Even a small contribution supports restoration efforts, educational programs, and signage updates.

Use Primary Sources

When researching, prioritize documents from the 1930s and 1940s: WPA project reports, newspaper clippings, oral histories, and photographs from the Library of Congress. Avoid relying solely on modern blog posts or unverified websites. The National Archives holds digitized WPA records including payroll logs and project descriptions that offer authentic insight into how these projects were conceived and executed.

Engage with Community Knowledge

Older residents may remember when these sites were new. If youre visiting a neighborhood like West End, Grant Park, or Reynoldstown, strike up a respectful conversation with a local. Many have personal stories about WPA-built schools, swimming pools, or parks memories that no official record can capture.

Plan for Inclusivity

Not all WPA sites are fully accessible. Some older sidewalks, staircases, or entrances may not meet ADA standards. Plan ahead: use accessibility apps like AccessNow or Wheelmap to check mobility access. If youre leading a group, ensure your itinerary includes inclusive options. History belongs to everyone and accessibility is part of honoring that.

Teach Others

If youre a teacher, parent, or community leader, turn your visit into a learning opportunity. Create a scavenger hunt for kids to find WPA initials on walls. Design a photo journal for students. Host a neighborhood talk about the New Deals impact on Atlanta. Education is the most powerful way to ensure these sites are not forgotten.

Be Mindful of Context

The WPA was a product of its time and not without flaws. While it provided jobs to millions, including many African Americans, segregation still dictated where and how those jobs were distributed. Some murals reflect outdated racial stereotypes. Acknowledge this complexity. Visit sites like the WPA mural at the Atlanta Post Office on Forsyth Street and ask: Who was depicted? Who was excluded? Understanding these nuances deepens your appreciation of history.

Tools and Resources

Effective exploration requires the right tools. Below is a curated list of digital and physical resources to support your visit to Atlantas WPA heritage.

Online Databases

• National Archives WPA Records archives.gov/research/work-progress-administration Searchable database of project reports, photographs, and administrative files from across the U.S., including Georgia.
• Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online Catalog loc.gov/pictures/ Contains thousands of WPA photographs taken by artists like Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange, including images of Atlanta construction sites.
• Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/ Offers measured drawings, photographs, and written histories of significant structures, including several WPA-built buildings in Atlanta.
• Georgia Historic Resources Inventory georgiashpo.org State-maintained database listing all registered historic properties, with filters for WPA-related sites.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

• Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA. Features a permanent exhibit on the New Deal in Georgia, including original WPA posters, tools, and oral histories.
• High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA. Houses WPA-era artworks and hosts rotating exhibits on Depression-era art.
• Atlanta Public Library Central Branch 101 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA. The original WPA-built library includes a historic reading room and archival materials on local construction projects.

Mobile Apps

• Atlas Obscura Crowdsourced guide to unusual historic sites. Includes user-submitted WPA locations in Atlanta with photos and tips.
• Historic Places GPS-enabled app that alerts you when youre near a registered historic site, including WPA structures.
• Google Arts & Culture Offers virtual tours of WPA murals and buildings, including a digital exhibit on Art in the New Deal.

Books and Publications

• Georgias New Deal: Public Works and Public Art by Dr. Linda M. Wynn A comprehensive study of WPA projects in Georgia, with maps and photographs.
• The WPA and Federal Relief Policy by Robert D. Leighninger Jr. Explains the national context of WPA funding and its impact on Southern cities.
• Atlanta: A History by Franklin Garrett Includes detailed chapters on infrastructure development during the 1930s.

Guided Tours

Several organizations offer guided walking tours focused on New Deal history:

• Atlanta Preservation Center Offers monthly New Deal Heritage Walks through downtown and Midtown.
• Atlanta History Center Hosts seasonal tours of Piedmont Park and the Central Library with historians.
• Atlanta Urban Design Commission Occasionally partners with local universities for student-led WPA site tours.

Check their websites for schedules. Many tours are free or donation-based.

Real Examples

Lets examine three real WPA sites in Atlanta each offering a different lens into the programs legacy.

Example 1: Piedmont Park WPA Stone Walls and Pathways

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is one of the citys most beloved green spaces. Before the WPA, the park was largely undeveloped. Between 1935 and 1941, WPA crews transformed it: they built stone retaining walls, laid brick pathways, installed benches, and constructed the original bathhouse (now the Piedmont Park Conservancy Visitor Center).

Today, visitors can still see WPA markings on the stonework small, chiseled initials or numbers that identify the crew or project number. The parks original amphitheater, though rebuilt in 2005, was modeled after the WPA design. Walking the paths, youre literally treading on Depression-era labor.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning. The light is ideal for photography, and youre more likely to spot historical plaques installed by the Georgia Historical Society.

Example 2: Atlanta Central Library Original WPA Building

The Atlanta Central Library, completed in 1902, was expanded and renovated by the WPA in 1940. The new wing featured a grand reading room with oak paneling, terrazzo floors, and a ceiling mural by artist John W. Norton. The mural, titled The Progress of Civilization, depicts scenes of learning, industry, and civic life.

Though the library has been modernized, the original WPA wing remains intact. The reading room is now used for special events, but the public can enter during regular hours. Look for the WPA logo a stylized WPA in relief embedded in the marble floor near the main staircase.

Pro Tip: Ask at the information desk if a guided tour of the historic wing is available. Staff often have access to original blueprints and project logs.

Example 3: Post Office Murals Forsyth Street and Peachtree Street

Under the WPAs Federal Art Project, over 1,000 murals were painted in U.S. post offices. Atlanta is home to several. The most notable is at the former U.S. Post Office at 50 Forsyth Street (now a federal courthouse). The mural, titled The Development of Atlanta, was painted by artist Charles W. Smith in 1939.

It shows a panoramic view of Atlantas growth: from Native American settlements to railroad expansion and industrialization. The figures are rendered in a realistic, heroic style typical of New Deal art. Though the building is now a courthouse, the mural remains visible to the public in the lobby during business hours.

Another mural exists at the Peachtree Street Post Office (now a bank), depicting a scene of mail delivery by horse and carriage. Both murals are in excellent condition and free to view.

Pro Tip: Bring a small mirror or phone flashlight to examine details in dimly lit corners. Some inscriptions are faint and best seen with angled light.

FAQs

Is there a building called the Atlanta Work Progress Administration?

No. The Work Progress Administration was a federal program, not a physical agency with a headquarters in Atlanta. There is no current building or office with that name. People searching for it are usually looking for historic WPA-built sites.

Can I tour a WPA site without joining a guided tour?

Yes. Most WPA sites in Atlanta are publicly accessible. Parks, libraries, and post offices can be visited during regular hours. However, guided tours offer deeper context including access to restricted areas and archival materials.

Are WPA sites free to visit?

Yes. All WPA-built infrastructure in Atlanta is publicly owned and free to access. Some museums or historic centers may charge admission for exhibits, but the structures themselves are not ticketed.

How do I know if a building was built by the WPA?

Look for physical markers: engraved WPA initials on stonework, plaques, or murals signed by artists. Check the construction date if its between 1935 and 1943, its likely WPA-funded. Cross-reference with the Georgia Historic Resources Inventory or the National Archives database.

Are there any WPA sites outside of downtown Atlanta?

Yes. WPA projects were spread across the city and surrounding counties. Examples include:

• East Point City Hall (1939)
• Decaturs WPA-built swimming pool (now a community center)
• Stone Mountain Parks original entrance roads and picnic areas
• Clayton Countys WPA-built schoolhouse (now a museum)

Use the Georgia HABS database to locate these.

Can I volunteer to help preserve WPA sites?

Yes. Organizations like the Atlanta Preservation Center and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation regularly recruit volunteers for cleanups, documentation, and archival digitization. Visit their websites for current opportunities.

Why do some WPA murals look outdated or stereotypical?

Many WPA artworks reflected the social norms of the 1930s, including racial and gender stereotypes. While the program employed many African American artists, segregation limited their opportunities. These murals are now studied as historical artifacts not endorsements of their time. Context matters.

What if I find a WPA site thats damaged or neglected?

Document it with photos and location data. Report it to the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or the Atlanta History Center. Public awareness often triggers restoration funding.

Can I use WPA site photos commercially?

Photos of public buildings and outdoor murals are generally permissible for commercial use. However, if you photograph a mural inside a federal building, check for copyright restrictions. Some artworks may be protected under federal law. Always credit the artist and WPA when possible.

How did the WPA impact Atlantas racial dynamics?

The WPA provided employment to thousands of Black Atlantans during a time of extreme economic hardship. However, jobs were often segregated, with African Americans assigned to manual labor while white workers received supervisory or artistic roles. The program also funded Black schools and community centers offering rare public investment in Black neighborhoods. Its legacy is complex: both empowering and constrained by systemic racism.

Conclusion

Visiting the remnants of the Work Progress Administration in Atlanta is not about finding a building with a specific sign. Its about recognizing the invisible hand of history the thousands of laborers, artists, and planners who shaped the city during one of its most difficult eras. The stone walls in Piedmont Park, the murals in post offices, the library reading rooms, the drainage systems beneath our streets these are not relics. They are active, living parts of Atlantas urban fabric.

This guide has shown you how to locate these sites, how to understand their significance, and how to engage with them respectfully. You now know where to look, what to look for, and how to turn a simple walk into a profound encounter with the past.

The WPA was not just a government program. It was a belief a belief that public investment could rebuild not just roads and bridges, but dignity, hope, and community. By visiting these sites, you honor that belief. By sharing your discoveries, you ensure it is not forgotten.

So take your notebook, lace up your shoes, and step out into the city. The WPAs work is still here waiting for you to see it, feel it, and remember it.