Before the BeltLine, Before the Breweries: The Old Fourth Ward's Untold Story

The Old Fourth Ward (O4W) is more than just a trendy Atlanta neighborhood; it is a cornerstone of the city's history and culture. This June 20–21, 2026, the 14th Annual Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival will take place at Historic Fourth Ward Park, offering free admission and a celebration of art, music, and community. But to truly appreciate the festival, one must understand the neighborhood's profound past.

O4W was home to Morris Brown College, founded in 1881 as the only institution in Georgia established by, funded by, and created exclusively for African Americans. As Dr. Kevin E. James, President of Morris Brown College, notes, 'Our journey from the historic Old Fourth Ward to the Atlanta University Center is not simply a change of address—it is a testament to the enduring spirit of an institution.' The college's legacy is a vital part of the neighborhood's identity, which also includes the Sweet Auburn Historic District and the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The neighborhood's influence extends beyond education. In the late 1860s, a local physician named natural springs 'Ponce de León Springs,' inspiring the beloved street name. Historic Fourth Ward Park now sits near those springs, with a two-acre lake that taps into the same water table. After the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, O4W reimagined itself around Ponce de León Ballpark and an amusement complex, drawing crowds that eventually attracted Sears, Roebuck & Company to build its Southern Regional Distribution Center—now Ponce City Market.

Interestingly, the phrase 'Old Fourth Ward' only emerged in 1937 after Georgia legislators restructured Atlanta's ward system, and the name stuck even after the ward system was abolished in 1954. This resilience is emblematic of the neighborhood's character.

O4W has also been a canvas for public art long before the BeltLine's 2012 opening. From Living Walls murals to Sol LeWitt's permanent installation '54 Columns,' artists like HENSE—whose large-scale works have attracted clients from Apple to the High Museum—began their public art careers on O4W's walls. The neighborhood didn't just host art; it became art.

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, now in its 14th year, embodies this creative spirit. The event will feature curated artist booths, live DJs, food, drinks, and a children's area. It is free, all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more details, visit the festival's website.

This festival is a reminder that O4W's story is not just about breweries and the BeltLine—it is about a neighborhood that has always been a hub of creativity, resilience, and community.