[1] Atlanta was ordered as part of the "ABCD" ships, the others being the cruisers Boston and Chicago and the dispatch vessel Dolphin.

The ship carried up to 490 tons of coal, with a cruising range as built of 3,390 nmi (6,280 km; 3,900 mi) at 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph).

[2][7] In 1897–1899 Atlanta received a new triple-expansion steam engine of 4,030 ihp (3,010 kW) and the 6-inch guns were converted to rapid firing with brass case ammunition replacing powder bags.

[6] Atlanta remained at New York fitting out and undergoing modifications until July 1887, when she joined the North Atlantic Squadron.

From May–October, the ship operated along the Atlantic coast and participated in exercises and maneuvers at Boston and New York, training members of the Naval Militia.

During the latter tour of duty, she again landed shore parties to protect American interests; first at Santo Domingo in April 1903 and then at Porto Bello, Panama, the following December.

She made a voyage to the Mediterranean in 1904 and returned in October, via the western coast of Africa and Cape Town, to the South Atlantic station.

Atlanta remained inactive only until 8 May, at which time she was returned to full commission for service in the Coast Squadron to participate in midshipman training missions.