What's In A Name?
The Story Behind Atlanta's Airport
How did Atlanta's airport become Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport? For Dale Hartsfield, answering that question became both a historical investigation and a personal journey.
In What's In A Name?, Dale explores the people, decisions, and name changes connected to one of Atlanta's most recognizable landmarks. His perspective is unusual because he isn't approaching the subject solely as an author. He is a member of the Hartsfield family who became the family's spokesman during the highly publicized airport naming controversy in 2003.
The result is a book for readers curious about Atlanta history, aviation, civic leadership, and the story behind the name millions of travelers recognize today.
The Question That Started the Story
In 2003, the City of Atlanta renamed the airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As discussion and controversy surrounding the decision unfolded, Dale represented the Hartsfield family publicly.
The experience raised a question worth investigating: Why had Atlanta's airport changed names so many times?
Dale began researching the airport's past and discovered that each name reflected a different chapter in Atlanta's development. What started as curiosity grew into an effort to document the history and preserve the stories of the people involved.
That research ultimately became
What's In A Name?
Atlanta History Through a Family Perspective
The airport story has particular significance to Dale because of his family's connection to Mayor William B. Hartsfield, whose leadership played an important role in Atlanta's aviation development.
Rather than treating airport names as simple labels, the book looks at the circumstances surrounding their changes and the historical figures connected to them.
Readers can explore subjects including:
- The origins of Atlanta's airport
- Candler Field and Atlanta Municipal Airport
- The airport's changing names
- Mayor William B. Hartsfield's role in Atlanta aviation
- The 2003 naming controversy
- The addition of the Jackson name
- Civic and political influences behind the changes
- Atlanta's development as an aviation center
Through Dale's research and personal connection to the story, familiar Atlanta history is presented from a perspective most travelers never encounter.
Who Will Enjoy What's In A Name?
You don't need to be an aviation expert to appreciate the story.
The book may be especially interesting to Atlanta residents, local history enthusiasts, aviation enthusiasts, students, civic groups, community leaders, and readers interested in how public decisions become part of a city's identity.
For people who regularly pass through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the book also provides an opportunity to look beyond the terminals and runways and learn more about the history represented by its name.
Expanded Second Edition
The original edition of What's In A Name? was published in November 2014.
Dale later released a Second Expanded Edition on February 22, 2021, a date chosen to mark the 50th anniversary of Mayor William B. Hartsfield's death.
The expanded edition gives readers an opportunity to explore more of the history and perspective behind Dale's original work while preserving a story with lasting importance to his family and the Atlanta community.
Hear the Story From Dale Hartsfield
What's In A Name? isn't limited to the printed page.
Dale also presents the story to live audiences, bringing his firsthand perspective as the Hartsfield family spokesman for media and at the Atlanta Airport, Hartsfield! Dale presents his history storytelling and lessons drawn from the experience.
The presentation can explore themes such as leadership, legacy, perseverance, public service, community impact, and standing by your convictions while giving audiences a closer look at an important chapter in Atlanta's history.
This program can be a strong fit for civic organizations, historical groups, business gatherings, educational audiences, community programs, and other events interested in Atlanta history and leadership.
Organizations interested in the subject can contact Hartsfield International Speakers about incorporating What's In A Name? into an upcoming event.
Book Dale Hartsfield for Your Event
Interested in a signed copy, book signing, author appearance, or presentation based on the book? Dale may be available for opportunities throughout the Metro Atlanta area.
Call or contact to discuss book-related inquiries or speaking engagements.
Order
What's In A Name?
Discover the people, history, and decisions behind a name recognized around the world.
