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.”

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.