The scent of freshly cut grass hangs in the air. Welcome to Perkerson Park.
Perkerson Park isn’t just a park. It’s a living testament to a family’s legacy. The Perkerson family’s roots run deep in this land. They farmed these very acres for generations. Their story stretches back to Thomas Jefferson Perkerson. He arrived from South Carolina settling in what’s now Fulton County. His son Angus served in the Confederate Army then became Fulton County Sheriff. Another Angus Perkerson later edited the Atlanta Journal Magazine.
Imagine the Perkerson home standing here. It survived even Sherman’s march to the sea. Lizzie Perkerson Butler the last family member to live in the house refused to leave during the war. Her sister Matilda was too ill to move. A letter Lizzie wrote in 1864 paints a vivid picture of Atlanta in ruins. “Atlanta is a perfect mass of ruins” she wrote. The family helped wounded soldiers Union and Confederate alike.
In 1944 315 acres of the Perkerson estate were sold. Fifty of those acres were donated to the city becoming Perkerson Park. Today this generous gift offers a disc golf course tennis courts a splash pad and more. It’s the largest green space in the Capitol View Historic District a true community hub.
The park’s recreation building hosts everything from continuing education classes to neighborhood meetings. Even elections are held here. A sculpture titled “My Spirit is Changing” stands as a silent observer. It was created around 1985 by Toby Martin. The park’s future is bright too. Plans are underway for expansion adding even more green space.
Perkerson Park. It’s more than just a place to play. It’s a place to connect with history and community. A place where the past and present meet under the shade of ancient oaks. A place where the Perkerson legacy lives on.