Michael Johnson claimed a 200 and 400m double
The Games were overshadowed by a bomb in Centennial Park which left two people dead and more than 100 injured.
Despite the tragedy, Atlanta proved a strong Olympic venue, though transport and logistical problems haunted officials throughout the Games.
The American city was chosen ahead of Athens to host the Games that marked the centenary of the modern Olympics.
The Olympic flame was movingly lit by Muhammad Ali, and there were some outstanding performances throughout.
America's home hero Michael Johnson achieved a 200m and 400m double that included a 200m world record of 19.32 seconds.
Carl Lewis picked up his ninth Olympic gold, spread over four Games, by winning the long jump.
Britain's Steve Redgrave won his fourth gold in successive Games and led to him being hailed by many as Britain's greatest ever Olympian.
But defending 100m champion Linford Christie was disqualified after two false starts, leaving Canada's Donovan Bailey to take his crown in a new world record of 9.84 seconds.