Walter Arthur Sims, 46th Mayor of Atlanta

Walter Arthur Sims, Mayor of Atlanta

He served as the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 1923 to 1931. April 16, 1925 Walter signed the initial 5-year lease of 287 acres, with an option to purchase, for the creation of what is now Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport -- now the world’s busiest airport! The city exercised the option to purchase the land in 1930.

Born in Dawson County, Georgia, (near Ball Ground), he was the son of John Newton Sims (1848 - 1919). The family moved to Buckhead in 1892, and Walter was educated in public schools.

He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1899 and began a twenty-five-year law career in Atlanta. In 1903, he married Edna Belle Cheshire, daughter of Napoleon Cheshire (after whom Cheshire Bridge Road is named). He served as councilman of Atlanta's Ninth Ward.

He was twice elected mayor of Atlanta (both times defeating James L. Key) promising to clean up the police department after a gambling scandal which also included an anti-Catholic platform. During his tenure, the Spring Street Viaduct was completed, the north half of which still stands after the southern half was rebuilt in 1996.He also built two new schools, not from bonds but from general revenue, and he also paid off a $1,000,000 deficit left over from the previous Key administration.

In 1923, he proposed building an airport, sending alderman William Hartsfield to find a suitable location.Candler Field proved to be the best, and in 1925 the city leased it (the first five years were free) and the next year won a lucrative U.S. Mail route.In 1924, he opened the city's Municipal Market (today's Sweet Auburn Curb Market). He is buried in Arlington Memorial Park, in Sandy Springs, Georgia.