Houses have stories to tell. They don't always have to be grand or even pretty, but the past can come alive as you walk through the homes and halls or visit the cabins and historic restorations that exist in the diverse neighborhoods of Atlanta and the surrounding towns. This quintessential Southern city has some fine examples of beautiful architecture, and also a number of historic buildings that are eager to share the city's past with you. Come along as we highlight some of metropolitan Atlanta's most historic places.
- 501 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta: Birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King
Built in 1895, this simple frame home is part of the 22-acre National Historic Site dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. In the Sweet Auburn district, it is only about a block away from Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King, his father and his grandfather served as pastor. King's father married Alberta Williams and moved into the home in 1926; their son was born there in 1929. A brother, Rev. A.D. Williams King, occupied a second floor apartment in the 1950s and 60s. Tours are given by National Park Service Rangers. Inquire at the Visitor Center about availability. - 193 Cherokee Road, Lake Burton: Lumberman’s Cabin
Situated on a little over three acres in a private cove on Lake Burton, this small cabin with original chinking and a stone fireplace has many stories to tell. Owned by the same family for more than 90 years, it has suffered some of the ravages of time, but the setting is beautiful, and the property is for sale. The cabin has four bedrooms and a bath and a half; but it may be nearing the end of its useful life. It will be up to the new owners to decide. - 212 Kelly Mill Road, Cumming: Strickland House
Today it houses the Cumming Chamber of Commerce, but this sweet old home, originally built in 1879, is a fine example of the blending of Queen Anne and Italianate elements. Its original owner was a well-known and much loved physician and surgeon, and the house itself served for a time as the home of Cumming Mayor Ford Gravitt. - 5455 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody: Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse
Yes, it is now one house, but was originally two houses, and it is, literally, the heart of Dunwoody and the raison d'etre of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, which was formed to save this twin structure. It's been enlarged and restored, and bears little resemblance to the single-story humble farmhouse of 1906. Even though an original barn was demolished, an early chicken house and smokehouse were saved and are on the property. Each November, "Light Up Dunwoody" is celebrated here. - 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell: Bulloch Hall
Mittie Bulloch lived here as a child. Don't know who she was? Her son became President Theodore Roosevelt, with millions of stuffed bears named after him. Visit this special home and learn of the long distance courtship through letters between Theodore Roosevelt Sr. of New York and Miss Mittie of Georgia. It's a story as beautiful as the house itself. - 3130 Slaton Drive, Atlanta: Swan House
One of the most photographed and recognizable homes in the area, the Swan House was built for the Edward Inman Family and is today the site of the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. The mansion and grounds are open for tours, and an adjacent restaurant, tea room, gallery and gift shop, the Swan Coach House, is a popular destination for locals as well as tourists. - 2875 Atlanta Road, Smyrna: Aunt Fanny’s Cabin
Another cabin with a long and storied history, Aunt Fanny's was for many years an iconic restaurant serving Southern specialties. It was named after Fanny Williams, who worked most of her life for socialite Isoline Campbell McKenna. An African American woman during a difficult time in the rural South, Fanny Williams made a name for herself through her defiance of traditional rules and roles. Although most of the original building was demolished after the restaurant was closed in the late 1990s, the oldest original part of the structure was moved to its present location and today serves as a special event venue and historic attraction. - 500 Powder Springs Road, Marietta: Brumby Hall
The stately Greek revival home adjacent to the Georgia Military Academy was the home of the first superintendent, Col. Arnoldus V. Brumby. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and when the Academy's buildings were burned during Sherman's March to the Sea, the house was saved because Sherman and Brumby were former West Point classmates. Brumby Hall is now an event center and house museum. - Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn: Thomas P. Hudson House
Unfortunately, this interesting 1840s house with its original detached kitchen is now privately owned and not open to the public, but you can drive by it and read about its history. It was originally part of the Hudson plantation. Today, the property across the street is a public park where visitors can see the old barn and slave quarters, as well as a historic post office. - 979 Crescent Avenue, Atlanta: Margaret Mitchell House
If you love Gone With the Wind, and want to visit the home that inspired that classic story, don't miss a visit to this three-story Tudor Revival. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is operated by the Atlanta History Center, open to visitors seven days a week, except December 24-26 and New Year's Day. - 240 15th Street, Atlanta: Habersham Memorial Hall
This impressive 20th century building was inspired by the early 19th century Bulloch-Habersham House in Savannah. It's a beautiful example of period architecture, and boasts a stunning half-moon portico. The Hall serves as a chapter house for the Joseph Habersham Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is not open to the public. - 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta: Callanwolde
The facade and the gardens are spectacular. The home of Asa Candler's eldest son was named for Callen Castle in Ireland, which was given to a Candler ancestor by the English crown in the 17th century. Among many fine features, its finest is perhaps its original built-in Aeolian music system. Learn about it on your tour. Now home to the Callenwolde Fine Arts Center, visitors are welcome. In case you don't know, Asa Candler founded Coca-Cola, and his son succeeded him as president and director of the family-owned business. It was a family home until 1959.
