From left to right: Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, and Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society.
Atlanta, GA, September 23, 2026 — The Georgia Historical Society (GHS), through its Georgia Business History Initiative, dedicated a new historical marker in Atlanta recognizing The Home Depot. The marker shares the story of The Home Depot’s remarkable growth and its pioneering role in creating the one-stop shopping experience that transformed the home improvement industry.
Through the Georgia Business History Initiative, GHS recognizes iconic companies like The Home Depot whose accomplishments and longevity have helped shape the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States. Honorees are commemorated through historical markers, public programming, and educational resources that help students and the public better understand the important role businesses have played in Georgia’s history.
“The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to recognize The Home Depot and the important role it has played in the rise of Atlanta as a major American city,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “Through the business acumen and philanthropy of co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur M. Blank, The Home Depot has had a tremendous impact on Georgia and the nation, and has helped shape the world we live in.”
Todd Groce delivers remarks during the historical marker dedication at The Home Depot Store Support Center in Atlanta.
Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, delivers remarks during the historical marker dedication at The Home Depot Store Support Center in Atlanta.
Bernie Marcus and Arthur M. Blank co-founded The Home Depot in 1978, and they opened their first two stores on June 22, 1979, in Atlanta. By 1981, The Home Depot was a public company and experienced massive growth throughout the decade. In 1989, The Home Depot celebrated the opening of its 100th store. The Home Depot went global when the company opened its first store in Canada in 1994, then moved to Mexico in 2001.
The Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement industry by providing DIY and professional customers with everything they need to complete home repair and improvement projects. The company has given millions of customers the confidence and know-how to tackle home improvement, which is emphasized in its slogan, "How doers get more done."
The Home Depot became the 29th company recognized by the Georgia Historical Society through the Georgia History Business Initiative.
The marker dedication took place at The Home Depot Store Support Center in Atlanta, with representatives from the Georgia Historical Society and The Home Depot in attendance, including co-founder Arthur M. Blank.
The historical marker reads:
The Home Depot
Hardware store executives Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank founded The Home Depot after being fired from a California improvement company in 1978. With help from investment banker Ken Langone, merchant Pat Farrah, and first finance officer Ron Brill, Marcus and Blank opened the first two The Home Depot stores in Atlanta on June 22, 1979. The Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement industry by offering both do-it-yourself customers and professional contractors a wide selection of merchandise, low prices, and stores staffed by customer service experts. Pioneering the large retail shopping experience, the warehouses created a true one-stop shopping experience for home improvement across North America.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and The Home Depot
For additional information about the Georgia Historical Society or the Georgia Business History Initiative, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA BUSINESS HISTORY INITIATIVE
Each year the Georgia Historical Society recognizes iconic companies in our state through the Georgia Business History Initiative. By showcasing these companies, GHS seeks to teach students, citizens, and tourists alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States.
Honorees receive a historical marker that tells the story of that company’s contribution to the development of our state and nation. This executive summary of the company history is erected at a site of historical significance to the company and is also available online through the award-winning GHS Historical Marker website and mobile app. Learn more at on the Georgia Historical Society website.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.
As part of History Belongs to Us All, the Georgia Historical Society invites all Georgians to discover, learn from, and help share the stories that shape our shared past. Explore programs, resources, and ways to connect with Georgia history at georgiahistory.com/historybelongstousall.