Atlanta's Washington Park: Yesterday and Today

In 1919, the city of Atlanta began construction on Washington Park, the first recreational space built for use by the Black community in the city. Work on the park continued until 1928 and included the construction of a swimming pool, dance hall, pavilions, and tennis courts. The park became the centerpiece of a historically Black neighborhood developed by businessman Heman Perry in the 1920s, offering outdoor space and amenities that residents were denied in other areas of the city during the segregation era.  

Housed at the Hargrett Library the Washington Park Historic District Archive  is available for research and preserved for future generations. Donated by The Conservancy at Historic Washington Park, the collection documents the history of the Washington Park neighborhood and the efforts of the Conservancy and other civic and community organizations to celebrate, preserve, and develop the area. 

This digital exhibit highlights items from this collection, as well as other resources that document the history of Washington Park, and provides an overview of the area’s historic structures, notable residents, and ongoing preservation work in the community today.