Smyrna Drops Iconic Jonquil Symbol in New Rebrand

SMYRNA, GEORGIA—For decades, Smyrna has proudly carried the nickname "The Jonquil City," a nod to the cheerful yellow blooms that once carpeted its fields each spring. The jonquil symbol has been woven into Smyrna’s identity, gracing signs, events, and even the hearts of its residents. However, in a surprising turn, the city's new rebranding effort is letting go of this iconic emblem.

The story of Smyrna’s jonquils is deeply rooted in its history. According to the Smyrna Historical Society, the tradition began in 1883 when Samuel Taylor and his wife moved to Smyrna from Atlanta. The couple purchased 80 acres of land on Atlanta Road near Collier Road. Their son, who lived in Spokane, Washington, sent them a burlap sack filled with what are believed to be Smyrna’s first jonquil bulbs.

The Taylors shared the bulbs with friends and neighbors, and the flowers quickly multiplied, returning each year with minimal care. This small act of generosity blossomed into a citywide tradition, giving rise to Smyrna’s affectionate nickname. Today, the Taylor legacy is preserved in the Taylor-Brawner House, part of the Taylor-Brawner Park property, a cherished landmark in the city.

Despite this rich heritage, the new logo, created by Franklin, Tennessee-based branding agency Chandlerthinks, reflects a pivot toward modernity and "connectivity." The agency explained that while the jonquil holds sentimental value, it posed significant challenges in design, making it "difficult to work with in a logo."

The rebranding effort, which cost Smyrna taxpayers $81,331, aims to capture Smyrna's forward-thinking spirit and the sense of community that ties its neighborhoods together. The updated logo features two sweeping parallel lines above modern text. According to the branding presentation, the lines are meant to represent the rounded arches of the Market Village colonnade, a central gathering spot in Smyrna.

The new branding is the latest in Smyrna’s efforts to position itself as a modern, growing city. While some residents are saddened by the absence of the jonquil, others see the rebrand as an opportunity to embrace Smyrna’s evolution. As the city moves forward, the jonquil’s legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts of longtime residents and in the flowerbeds that still brighten Smyrna each spring.

View the full list of proposed logos by Chandlerthinks below. What are your thoughts on Smyrna’s new logo?