West End in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Wren’s Nest
Home of Joel Chandler Harris
Creator of the Uncle Remus stories and exponent of the New South, Joel Chandler Harris was born December 9, 1848 in Eatonton. After serving an apprenticeship on a plantation newspaper The Countryman near Eatonton and working on several Georgia dailies, he joined the staff of the Atlanta Constitution in 1876. His prolific pen has immortalized the Negro folklore of the Old South. In 1880, he purchased this house for his home, calling it "Snap-Bean Farm". When a wren built her nest in the mailbox, he changed the name to “Wren’s Nest”.
Soon after his death, July 3, 1908, the Uncle Remus Memorial Association was organized. On January 10, 1913, it purchased the “Wren’s Nest”. That same year the Uncle Remus Library was organized and remained here for 17 years. The Uncle Remus Memorial Association was rechartered August 20, 1957, as the Joel Chandler Harris Memorial Association. The “Wren’s Nest” is owned and operated as a memorial by the association.
Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 060-190.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1906.
Location. 33° 44.287′ N, 84° 25.329′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in West End. Marker is on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW (Georgia Route 139) 0 miles east of Lawton Street SW, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW, Atlanta GA 30310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original Gas Street Light (a few steps from this marker); The Exterior Line (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lugenia Burns Hope (approx. 0.7 miles away); Stewart Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church South (approx. 0.9 miles away); Atlanta Student Movement (approx. one mile away); Atlanta Student Movement Planned (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named The Atlanta Student Movement (approx. one mile away); An Appeal for Human Rights (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
More about this marker. The final sentence has been ground off the marker, noticeable in the image. It read: It is open week days from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Regarding The Wren’s Nest. The Wren's Nest was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1962.
Also see . . .
1. The Wren's Nest. Website homepage (Submitted on May 20, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. Wren's Nest. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 20, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
3. Joel Chandler Harris. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on May 20, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 12, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.