Spring is the perfect time to explore the city. On a beautiful Saturday, I participate in Phoenix Flies and toured the Historic West End Atlanta. Phoenix Flies is a tour program offered by Atlanta Preservation Center held every year in March. Furthermore, the tours are free and involve many historical sites throughout Atlanta. Learning the history that is often forgotten or just not taught in school.
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West End Atlanta currently is a thriving community. With continue development mixed with Queen Anne Style and Victorian homes, the area provides a glimpse into the past and future. Early in West End development many notable Atlanta residents including former Atlanta mayor Dennis Hammond, former governor James Smith, as well as authors such Joel Chandler Harris, known for his Uncle Remus Tales lived in the area. The West End was eventually affected by ‘white flight’ and became a predominately black area of Atlanta in the 70’s. This growth included the West Hunter Street Baptist Church, one of Atlanta’s leading black churches for decades and was led by Reverend Ralph David Abernathy. Altogether, it is an area of town that is gaining it’s footing once more. Therefore it should definitely be on your list of places to tour.
The Hammonds House Museum
503 Peeples St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Hammonds House Museum is an African American fine art museum. Built in 1857, the Victorian house was the former residence of Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and patron of the arts. I enjoyed the art work that was on display. Occasionally the exhibits change so plan to visit on a regular basis.
Wren’s Nest
1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
While Wren’s Nest was the home of author Joel Chandler Harris of Uncle Remus Tales, the home receives it’s name from the Wrens bird. Cute story, the bird continues to set up it’s nest in the mailbox at the house. Hence the name, Wren’s Nest. The home is beautiful on the outside and there is a tour provided. I took in the history of this house and how Joel Chandler Harris wrote his tales. Nonetheless, it was an interesting story and one that should be taught to the masses.
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