Not sure where to start with your research of a specific historic space? Start with our step-by-step guide. Generally interested in the neighborhoods across Atlanta? Read on!
Let’s find out more…
Atlanta has grown over time, and with it, its neighborhoods have as well. There are currently over 240 unique neighborhoods, and there are even more neighborhoods that have changed their name over time, or no longer exist.
Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center houses an extensive collection of archives, photographs, maps, and documents that can provide valuable information about historic houses and neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Where should I look?
If you are not sure where to start, we recommend looking at our Step-by-step Guide to Historic Property Research first. We also have the following digitally accessible collections that you can peruse.
- Fulton County Tax Plat Maps
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Listings | Google Map Overlay
- Historic Map Collection
- Adair Realty Plat Maps
If you have questions or would like to schedule a time to access these materials, please reach out to the Kenan Research Center via email at reference@atlantahistorycenter.com or by phone at 404-814-4040.
Related. Searches.
These are just a few examples of the many diverse neighborhoods in Atlanta, each with its own unique history and character. Atlanta’s neighborhoods have played a significant role in shaping Atlanta’s identity, and they continue to evolve as the city grows and changes.
-
Located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta, Adams Park was established in the late 1920s as a planned community for African American families. The neighborhood was named after William Edward Adams, an influential African American attorney and real estate developer involved in its development. Adams Park Golf Course and Cascade Springs Nature Preserve are part of Adams Park.
-
Located north of Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead developed in the late 1800s as a rural area with large estates. It grew into a prestigious residential area characterized by grand homes along Peachtree Road during the early 1900s. The name ‘Buckhead’ is a reference to a general store and tavern run by Henry Irby in the early 1800s, there was a large taxidermy head of a deer in the building that it was known for.
-
Situated east of downtown Atlanta, Cabbagetown formed in the late 1880s as a mill town to house workers of the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill. The neighborhood got its name from the workers who were predominately of Irish descent, who planted cabbages in their front yards.
-
Situated north-west of downtown Atlanta, near where I-20 west and I-285 meet, Collier Heights is one of the first communities in the United States built exclusively by African-American planners for middle-class African-Americans. Founded in 1948, the neighborhood has been home to many prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Sr., Donald Hollowell, Ralph David and Juanita Abernathy, as well as Mayor Andre Dickens. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
-
One of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, Grant Park is situated southeast of downtown, just south of Oakland Cemetery. It formed in the 1880s when Lemuel P. Grant, a successful engineer and businessman, donated the land for a public park known by the same name. The park is quite large and is home to walking trails, sports fields, the Atlanta Zoo.
-
Located east of downtown Atlanta, Inman Park was developed in the late 1880s as the city’s first streetcar suburb. The neighborhood is named after Samuel M. Inman, an influential Cotton broker and real estate developer who previously owned the land and was invested in the streetcar industry.
-
Situated on the east side of Atlanta, Kirkwood was established in the 1890s in the ‘garden suburbs’ style. The name Kirkwood derives from a local businessman and real estate developer, Samuel Howard Kirkpatrick, who previously owned the land.
-
Located just north of downtown Atlanta, Midtown emerged in the late 1800s as one of Atlanta’s primary business districts and residential areas. Over time, Midtown developed into a vibrant cultural and arts district with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. It is also known for its high-rise residential and commercial buildings, including the iconic Bank of America Plaza and the Fox Theatre.
-
Located south of downtown and I-20, the Mechanicsville neighborhood began in the late 1800s. The Mechanics that worked the rail lines lived in this area, lending their profession to the neighborhoods name. It was heavily impacted by the construction of the interstates, and the stadium, which drove many homeowners out from the area during the second half of the 1900s.
-
Situated east of downtown Atlanta, “O4W” formed in the late 1800s and was initially a wealthy residential area. Many of the buildings were lost in the Great Fire of 1917, and most of the current structures in the area post-date this event. The neighborhood is famous for being the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
-
Situated west of downtown along Northside Drive, and bound by Atlanta University Center to South, Vine City and its adjacent neighborhood English Avenue, have a history of racial segregation. English Avenue was developed as a white working-class neighborhood, while across from Simpson Road (modern Joseph E. Boone Blvd.) Vine City was settled at the same time as a predominantly African American residential area. The Great fire of 1917 and the lack of housing for African Americans during the population surge from 1920-1940 sparked the movement of African Americans across Simpson, despite violence enacted against them. The area continued to be an important part of the Civil Rights movement, housing Paschal’s Restaurant, a soul food landmark and meeting place for resident Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders.
-
Located west and south of downtown Atlanta, West End was developed in the 1870s and 1880s and was located on the “West End” of the streetcar line. The neighborhood was annexed into the City of Atlanta in 1894.
Access our robust archival, library, and museum collections through one seamless experience.
Search NowRelated Content. Learn More.
-
Party with the Past is a program series that travels to historic sites around the city. On Wednesday, September 18th, we head to Concordia Hall in Downtown Atlanta. This event features a temporary exhibit that dives into the history of the rest of the neighborhood, walking tours, and more.
-
Party with the Past is a program series that travels to historic sites around the city. On Wednesday, May 15th, we head to Pullman Yards in Kirkwood. Learn about the history of the site and the role it has played in Atlanta for the past century.
-
In advance of our upcoming Party with the Past centered on Midtown history, we wrote an article to get you up to speed on the history of the neighborhood!
-
Street names offer insights into a city’s history and its evolving perceptions of past figures. In Atlanta, Lindbergh Drive is named after Charles Lindbergh, an American aviation pioneer who was the first to fly solo across the Atlantic. Lindbergh’s achievements made him an international hero, but his later controversial affiliations and remarks led to significant public criticism. Many places that bore his name in the U.S. have since been renamed due to changing public sentiments.
-