These 6 Abandoned Places In Atlanta Are Absolutely Haunting
By Marisa Roman|Updated on September 20, 2023(Originally published September 01, 2022)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Everyone loves a good scare every now and again, right? If so, then you’re in for a treat. Although these abandoned places in Atlanta can’t all necessarily be explored in person, the story behind these places just might give you goosebumps. Oftentimes, there is something magical about a place that becomes abandoned – the remaining ruins, the rich history, the building cohabiting with nature. All of it. Take a look at these staples of abandoned Georgia and enjoy their odd and fascinating lure:
The once-abandoned Pratt-Pullman yard sits on over 25 acres of land and is comprised of nearly 100,000 square feet of old, historic buildings. The property has such a rich and unique history, it’s absolutely worth sharing. Once a factory for developing agricultural machinery, it served as an employment center during residential development in the area. Even during World War I munitions were manufactured there. Then of course, the property became a tourist train spot. Nowadays, it's taken on an entirely new life - it's absolutely worth visiting!
Take a look at this video of how Pullman Yard looks now by @TheKCflys:
This abandoned Atlanta building, located at the northwest corner of Alabama and Forsyth Streets, has quite a charming history behind it as it was considered one of Atlanta's first forays into modern architecture. It was originally constructed in 1947 and became the headquarters of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper until the newspaper consolidated with the Atlanta Journal. Around 1955, Georgia Power moved in for some time. However, the place has been vacant since 1972, with limited plans on rehabilitation. It's one of the most remarkable of the Atlanta abandoned places.
Atlanta Prison Farm is urban decay at its finest. It was once an operating prison from around 1945 to 1995. However, for the last two and a half decades, this abandoned building has been quietly rotting away. What remains now is still hauntingly beautiful. The kudzu vines have overtaken much of the ruins; not to mention the thick, colorful graffiti lining most walls. It's one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Atlanta.
Looking for "abandoned places near me?" An abandoned mansion is always interesting! Candler Mansion, also known as Briarcliff, was the mansion and estate of Coca-Cola co-founder and Atlanta mayor Asa Griggs "Buddy" Candler. Once the mansion was left to Candler’s son, it fell into ruins. It quickly went through different types of ownership, even being a former site of the Georgia Mental Health Institute at one point. Emory University bought the property and has plans to renovate it, however there are still plenty of ruins that are being reclaimed by nature. The abandoned greenhouses and the mansion still remain in decay today.
The main part of this abandoned building was originally built around the late 1800s. It was originally a residence, but then became home to the Atlanta Life Insurance Company from 1920-1980. Alonzo Herndon, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company was a former slave who became one of the richest persons of color of the time. He owned the buildings until they eventually fell into ruins a few decades later.
This abandoned school in Georgia was once an elementary school built in the early 1900s. It was named after one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted generals, John Brown Gordon. Inside this school, there were around 35 classrooms, a large gym, and an auditorium. As Atlanta grew in population, though, the building began to fall into decline. It lasted almost 100 years, falling just short after closing in 1995. Sometime in 2020, the abandoned building that held so many childhood memories was demolished.
How about those photographs? It’s amazing that something so rich in history can have fallen into such decline, but still remain hauntingly beautiful. Abandoned Georgia is an amazing place.
If you got a kick out of Pullman Yard and want to read more about it, then check out the story behind this abandoned rail yard in Georgia!
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More to Explore
Abandoned Georgia
Tori Jane|September 06, 2022
What are some fascinating abandoned places in Georgia?
There are plenty of awesome abandoned places in Georgia to admire, whether you’re able to access them or not (we strongly suggest admiring from afar – please do not trespass). One of the most fascinating abandoned places in Georgia is the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, in Lithia Springs; originally built in the mid-1800s and abandoned in the late 1800s, the mill is a fascinating place to visit or read about (and even better for photographers).
Where are some truly creepy destinations in Atlanta?
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which was the site of a very important Civil War battle and, to this day, is still said to be plagued by the lost souls of the men and boys who didn’t survive the skirmish.
Oakland Cemetery, which is the largest (and oldest) cemetery in the city; full-body apparitions of Confederate soldiers have been spotted roaming around the cemetery, and strange lights and sounds are frequently reported, too.
Can I explore abandoned buildings in Atlanta?
Yes and no. On one hand, exploring these properties – including abandoned places in Atlanta and just about everywhere – is considered trespassing and may be prosecuted.
The most ethical way to indulge in urban exploration in Georgia is by seeking the permission of land or building owners whenever possible.
Remember to release them from liability: by trouncing around abandoned structures, you take the risk of being injured, and surely the owners of these places will want to be protected in the event this happens.
So, with permission? Yes. Without? Better skip it.
