Margaret Mitchell House | Atlanta

Information

Landmark: Margaret Mitchell House
City: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America

Margaret Mitchell House, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America

The Margaret Mitchell House is a historic house museum located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is the site where author Margaret Mitchell wrote her novel, Gone With the Wind.

Visual Characteristics

The house is a two-story, red-brick structure built in the Queen Anne architectural style. It features a prominent wraparound porch with white balustrades and decorative trim. The roof is covered in slate tiles, and the windows are a mix of double-hung and bay windows, many with arched tops. The exterior walls are primarily brick, with some sections of decorative shingle work.

Location & Access Logistics

The Margaret Mitchell House is situated at 990 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) north of the downtown Atlanta core. Parking is available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the house, accessible from Peachtree Street. Public transport options include the MARTA Red Line and Gold Line trains to the Midtown station, which is a 0.8-kilometer (0.5-mile) walk south. Several bus routes also serve Peachtree Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was constructed in 1899 by Atlanta businessman Joseph M. A. de Give. It was originally a private residence. Margaret Mitchell and her husband, John Marsh, rented the downstairs apartment from 1925 to 1932. During this period, Mitchell wrote the entirety of Gone With the Wind within this residence.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the restored apartment where Margaret Mitchell lived and wrote. The tour includes exhibits detailing her life, the writing process of Gone With the Wind, and the novel's impact. The house also contains a gift shop selling books and related merchandise. Educational programs and special events are held periodically.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present on the porch and in the immediate garden. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the property. No on-site food vendors are present, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located within walking distance on Peachtree Street.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is late afternoon, when the western light illuminates the brickwork. The house is open year-round, with comfortable visiting temperatures typically occurring from April to October. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable fact is that Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind on a manual typewriter, often working late into the night. The manuscript was reportedly typed on yellow legal pads. A local legend suggests that the ghost of Margaret Mitchell can sometimes be felt or seen within the house, particularly in her former writing room.