Buttermilk Bottom facts for kids
Buttermilk Bottom was a historic African-American neighborhood located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. It was also known as Buttermilk Bottoms or Black Bottom. This area was in the Old Fourth Ward, where the Atlanta Civic Center stands today. Life in Buttermilk Bottom was often challenging. Many streets were unpaved, and homes often did not have electricity.
What Was Buttermilk Bottom?
Buttermilk Bottom was a community where many African-American families lived. It was a lively place, but it also faced many difficulties. The neighborhood had basic living conditions compared to other parts of Atlanta. People worked hard to build their lives there.
Why Was It Called Buttermilk Bottom?
The name "Buttermilk Bottom" has two main ideas about where it came from:
- One idea is about the area's sewers. The land sloped downwards, which sometimes caused water to back up. This water was said to have a smell like buttermilk.
- Another idea is about the milk people drank. In those days, fresh milk was called "sweet milk." If people could not afford fresh milk, they might drink older, sour milk. This sour milk was cultured, meaning it was treated to last longer before modern refrigerators existed. This older milk tasted like buttermilk.
The History of Buttermilk Bottom
Most of Buttermilk Bottom was torn down in the 1960s. This was part of a big city plan called "urban redevelopment." The goal was to build new projects in the area. The most famous new building was Atlanta's convention center, which opened in 1967. Today, this building is known as the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.
After Buttermilk Bottom was cleared, the area was given a new name: Bedford Pine. However, much of the land stayed empty for a long time. It wasn't until the mid-1980s that new buildings started to appear. These new projects included homes for people with different incomes. Some of the land also became beautiful green spaces like Renaissance Park and Central Park.
