Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Home
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, April 7, 2014
1. The Home Marker
Young Martin Luther King. Jr.'s, childhood here was entirely normal. He did his chores and received his allowance. Neighbors often saw him bouncing a ball off the side of the house or riding his bike along the street. He fought with his brother (he once hit his brother, A. D., over the head with a phone). Though physically small, he was intensely competitive; neighborhood kids risked getting hurt when playing against him in football or basketball.
King's boyhood home dates to 1895. Its 14 rooms were enough to house an extended family, which it did throughout "M.L.'s" youth. At the time of King's birth, the home belonged to his maternal grandparents--they lived downstairs, he, his siblings, and his parents upstairs. The arrangement was typical of families along Auburn Avenue. and the effect reverberated throughout King's life. He would continue to work and pray with his parents until his death in 1968.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Martin Luther King, Jr. series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 33° 45.338′ N, 84° 22.282′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in the Old Fourth Ward. Marker is on Auburn Avenue
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Birthplace (a few steps from this marker); Shotgun Houses (a few steps from this marker); Middle-Class Dwelling (within shouting distance of this marker); Stepping Up (within shouting distance of this marker); Birth Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Apartment House (within shouting distance of this marker); Neighborhood Pride (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire Station No. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, April 7, 2014
2. Birth Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Photographed By Byron Hooks, November 12, 2014
3. The Birthplace and The Home Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 23, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on November 14, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia.
