Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Herndon Plaza
Auburn Avenue
— The Auburn Avenue Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 14, 2021
1. Herndon Plaza Marker
John Smith, a white businessman, who employed many African Americans, established a carriage factory here in 1869 adjacent to his home. Alonzo Herndon, a slave-born barber who founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association in 1905, renovated a building in this block in 1920 to accommodate his growing business.
He rented the building's upper level to other Black businessmen, including studio photographer Paul Poole. Herndon's business, which became Atlanta Life Insurance Company and his subsequent expansion on the avenue, inspired other African American businessmen to locate their enterprises on Auburn Avenue, fueling the growth and diversification of this Black business community. Today Herndon Plaza serves as a gateway to the rich entrepreneurial legacy of Auburn Avenue.
Reverse
Today Herndon Plaza serves as a gateway to the rich entrepreneurial legacy of Auburn Avenue.
Erected 2020 by Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 33° 45.337′ N, 84° 23.027′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alonzo Herndon 1858-1927 (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta's "Main Street" (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweet Auburn Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Coca-Cola Botting Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Calhoun Park (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named John Calhoun Park (about 500 feet away); National Medical Association: Medicine in the Civil Rights Movement (about 600 feet away); First Congregational Church United Church of Christ (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 14, 2021
2. Herndon Plaza Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 14, 2021
3. View of Auburn Avenue looking west.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
