Flashback Photos: Atlanta and Georgia in 1917

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Flashback Photos: Atlanta and Georgia in 1917

A great fire devastated Atlanta and the Great War -- World War I -- drew Georgians together as the nation rallied to fight “over there.”

A great fire devastated Atlanta and the Great War -- World War I -- drew Georgians together as the nation rallied to fight “over there.”

The Great Atlanta Fire of May 21, 1917. Flames jumped from roof to roof across blocks of wood-shingled houses. More than 4,000 Atlantans were homeless before the wind changed and the fire died. The fire consumed 73 blocks and 1,553 houses.

On the morning of May 22, 1917, bare chimneys and blackened rubble covered 300 acres of residential property in the Boulevard area. The big fire had destroyed 1, 1934 homes. (File) 1917

Rare photo of Atlanta's second most destructive fire; 1917 holocaust that swept clean 73 city blocks.

Caruso gave Atlanta one of its biggest musical thrills when he sang the National Anthem in 1917.

The Atlanta Constitution
March 16, 1917
Grand Duke to rule as regent; Czar is forced to abdicate

Camp Gordon - Atlanta remembers how they looked as they signed up with the uniformed man at the desk. 1917

One of the first trainloads of selectmen arriving at Camp Gordon in 1917. 28,000 strong, all-southern unit quickly became the Fighting All-American Division. (Tracy Mathewson) 1917

Atlanta remembers how the rookies turned out under corporals and sergeants, were whipped into squads to learn 'squads east or west, as the case may be.' It was hayfoot-strawfoot stuff, and some of the boys were slow learning it. That's where that old saying was born: 'Everybody's out of step but Johnny.' But Johnny got his gun all right, and soon he was a soldier of the line. (Tracy Mathewson) 1917

Photo shows part of the 250 non-commissioned officers of the 28th Keystone Division being instructed in the use of the bayonet at Camp Hancock, Ga. (AP) 1917

Edgar B. Dunlap is shown here in his pup tent during the nine day hike of members of the First Officers Training Camp at Fort McPherson in 1917.

Photo shows part of the 250 non-commissioned officers of the 28th Keystone Division being instructed in the use of the bayonet at Camp Hancock, Ga. (AP) 1917

ATLANTA, GA - World War I era image of the 17th Engineers on train leaving Atlanta, Ga. (Tracy Matthewson/Atlanta Constitution) 1917

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A great fire devastated Atlanta and the Great War -- World War I -- drew Georgians together as the nation rallied to fight “over there.”

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