Mechanicsville, Atlanta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mechanicsville
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Neighborhood of Atlanta
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 Mechanicsville
Location in Atlanta
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| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| County | Fulton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Neighborhood of Atlanta |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
30314
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Mechanicsville is a historic neighborhood located in Atlanta, Georgia. It sits just south of downtown Atlanta. This area is known for its rich past and its ongoing changes.
Mechanicsville is surrounded by important landmarks and roads:
- To the north, it's bordered by I-20. Across this highway are the neighborhoods of Castleberry Hill and Downtown Atlanta.
- To the east, the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector forms a boundary. On the other side are Summerhill and Peoplestown.
- To the southwest, the Southern Railway lines mark its edge. Beyond these tracks lies the Pittsburgh neighborhood.
Contents
A Glimpse into Mechanicsville's Past
Mechanicsville is one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods. It began to grow in the late 1800s. This happened because it was close to several important railroad lines just south of downtown. The name "Mechanicsville" comes from the "mechanics" who worked on these railway lines.
In its early days, Mechanicsville was a lively community. It had a mix of working-class Black families and middle-class white families. Some famous merchant families, like the Rich family (who owned the Rich's department store), also lived here. The neighborhood was officially established in 1870.
Over time, the neighborhood faced some challenges. Many middle-class families moved to the suburbs. Also, the building of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and nearby interstate highways changed the area.
Mechanicsville's Recent Changes
Since the 2010s, Mechanicsville has been going through a big comeback. Its close location to Downtown and Midtown has helped a lot. More middle-class families and individuals are now moving back. Many old or damaged homes have been fixed up by investors. New homes are also being built. The local economy is getting better, and property values are increasing. The neighborhood is becoming more diverse again, with people from different backgrounds moving in.
Learning and Libraries
Students in Mechanicsville are served by Atlanta Public Schools. There is also a special school called Neighborhood Charter School that serves the area.
For books and learning, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Mechanicsville Branch. It's a great place for residents to find books, use computers, and learn new things.
Community Groups
The people of Mechanicsville have active groups that work to improve the neighborhood. These include the Mechanicsville Civic Association and the Citizens Association of Mechanicsville. There is also a group called SUMMECH. This group creates and carries out plans to help the neighborhood grow and get better.
Mechanicsville in Movies and Music
Mechanicsville has even appeared in popular culture!
