How Did Smyrna, Georgia Get its Name?

Smyrna, Georgia—now a thriving suburb of Atlanta—owes its name to an ancient city across the world, with deep biblical roots and a history steeped in faith and community.

But how exactly did this bustling city in Cobb County come to be called Smyrna? The answer lies in the traditions of early settlers and the religious fervor that shaped the region in the 19th century.

A Biblical Connection

The name “Smyrna” traces back to one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Ancient Smyrna, located in what is now modern-day İzmir, Turkey, was a center of early Christianity. Settlers in North Georgia, many of whom were deeply religious, saw fit to name their growing settlement after this biblical city—an act common among pioneers seeking divine protection and inspiration for their new communities.

A Campground That Defined a Town

While the area had been settled as early as the 1830s, it wasn’t until the rise of the Smyrna Camp Ground that the name truly took hold. This religious meeting place became a hub for Methodists and other Christian denominations, drawing families from across the region for worship, revival meetings, and fellowship.

By the late 1830s, the community surrounding the camp was informally referred to as Smyrna. But it wasn’t until decades later, in 1872, that the town officially adopted the name when it was incorporated.

Before Smyrna, There Was…?

The settlement didn’t always go by the name it holds today. In its early years, it was called “Varner’s Station,” a reference to a local business along the railroad that ran through the area. Later, it was known as “Neal Dow” and “Ruff’s Station,” each reflecting different influential figures and landmarks in the area. But with the strong religious influence of the Methodist encampment, “Smyrna” became the name that endured.

A City With a Rich History

Though it started as a small, faith-centered community, Smyrna quickly grew into an important stop on the railroad and a hub for trade. During the Civil War, it was the site of military action, with the Battle of Ruff’s Mill taking place there in 1864. Over time, Smyrna evolved from a quiet settlement into a thriving city, but it never lost sight of its roots.

Today, the city still carries the legacy of its name—one that ties it to history, faith, and the pioneering spirit of the early Georgians who built it.