The park, consisting of about 50 acres (20 ha), was created in 1869 and hosted numerous fairs, most notably the International Cotton Exposition in 1881.
Following the American Civil War, Atlanta sought to expand its municipal park space.
[2] Additionally, the city's fairgrounds, which had existed since 1850,[3] were proving inadequate for holding large events.
[4] As such, procuring land for a new park was of importance to Atlanta Mayor William Hulsey.
[3] Assisting him was Hannibal Kimball, a noted city booster who was involved in many civic projects during the late 1800s,[5] including convincing the state government to move the state's capital to Atlanta and constructing the Kimball House hotel.