Summerhill

Established in 1865 as one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, Summerhill has a rich and complex history. Summerhill emerged after the Civil War, a haven for freed slaves and Jewish immigrants seeking new beginnings. This unique blend of cultures shaped the neighborhood’s early identity. By 1911, Summerhill housed a significant portion of Atlanta’s Jewish population, with two-thirds residing within its boundaries. The seeds of education were sown early in Summerhill. Wood’s Chapel and Clarke’s Chapel, established in 1866, offered spiritual guidance and educational opportunities. Clarke’s Chapel played a particularly vital role. Its basement served as the first classrooms for Clark College and Gammon Theological Seminary. Summerhill’s commitment to education continued with the founding of Frederick Ayer’s school in 1867. This school, later acquired by the Atlanta Board of Education, became the city’s sole public school for Black children, eventually renamed E.P. Johnson Elementary School. Summerhill witnessed both growth and upheaval. The construction of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1965 led to the absorption of the neighboring Washington-Rawson area, expanding Summerhill’s footprint. However, this period also brought social unrest, culminating in the 1966 riots, a stark reminder of the underlying tensions and frustrations within the community. Summerhill took center stage during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The Centennial Olympic Stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies. The stadium’s legacy continued as it transformed into Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves until 2016. The area continued to evolve as Georgia State University acquired the stadium and its surrounding area in 2017, converting the ballpark into Center Parc Stadium and further developing the area. Summerhill has been home to notable figures. From boxer Evander Holyfield, who grew up in its streets, to the tragic figure of Leo Frank, who resided there, Summerhill’s residents have contributed to its multifaceted story. Summerhill is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to resilience, a neighborhood shaped by a diverse past and driven by an evolving future. As you stand here today, imagine the echoes of history whispering through the streets, a reminder of the journeys, struggles, and triumphs that have defined Summerhill.