“Hardeville,” they called it once. Before 1879, this area was named for William J. Hardee. But today, we know it as Edgewood in Atlanta.
Edgewood, a neighborhood on Atlanta’s east side, sits about 3 miles from downtown. Imagine this area back in the late 1800s. A train depot spurred growth near Clifton Road and Dekalb Avenue. Soon after the name Edgewood appeared. The Soles Gazette described it as a burgeoning town.
Edgewood became home to blue-collar workers. American Craftsman homes lined the streets. This contrasted with the Victorian architecture in Kirkwood and Candler Park. Edgewood was annexed into Atlanta in 1909. In return, the neighborhood’s infrastructure was upgraded.
Atlanta’s Reconstruction era fueled Edgewood’s development. From 1870 to 1910, the area boomed. Population growth led to further development. Companies like Cotton Seed Oil and Virginia Chemical developed in what is now Carlye Park.
By the 1920s, Edgewood’s popularity soared. The rise of the streetcar made it convenient. Affluent families came for the easy commute to downtown. They stayed for the lively community. Coca-Cola’s Asa Candler invested in Edgewood. He donated land for the Candler Park Golf Course. He also fought for Mary Lin Elementary School.
Today, Edgewood stands as Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood. Its history is rich. Its culture is vibrant. Edgewood has a high concentration of Black-owned bars. Places like CRU Lounge offer upscale ambiance.
The Edgewood Retail District spans 44 acres off Moreland Avenue. It’s near Little Five Points. This mixed-use village includes the first intown Lowe’s.
While Edgewood Avenue bears its name, it doesn’t quite reach the neighborhood. East Atlanta lies to the south-southeast. Kirkwood is to the immediate east. Reynoldstown sits just to the west. Candler Park is to the north of Edgewood.
Take a walk around. Notice the blend of old and new. Edgewood is a testament to Atlanta’s dynamic history. It continues to evolve. This neighborhood connects Atlanta’s past and present.