History of Old Fourth Ward & Fourth Ward Alliance
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward is a vibrant community with a rich history. Best known as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the neighborhood in its entirety is one of the oldest in Atlanta, and owes its name to an ordinance adopted by City Council in 1854 that divided Atlanta into five wards. The wards and names changed over time, and today’s Old Fourth Ward is the only area to retain its original name.
Old Fourth Ward is one of the largest neighborhoods in Atlanta, stretching from Ponce de Leon all the way to DeKalb Ave. on the north and south, and Piedmont Ave. all the way to Freedom Parkway and the Beltline on the east and west. Because of its large geographic area, it is split into four neighborhood associations, one of which is Fourth Ward Alliance, which occupies the northeast quadrant of Old Fourth Ward.
The Fourth Ward Alliance was originally formed in the early 1990’s as the New Fourth Ward Community Coalition, and officially became Fourth Ward Alliance between 2004 and 2005.
Fourth Ward Alliance is one of four neighborhood associations within the Old Fourth Ward. The other three associations include:
- Fourth Ward Neighbors, which lies to the south of Fourth Ward Alliance, was formed in 1994.
- Fourth Ward West, which came together in 1998, though it originally operated under a different name.
- Fourth & S.A.N.D., which has been serving the neighborhood since 1887.
Since Fourth Ward Alliance was founded, our values have remained the same. We aspire to be the voice of the residents we serve and help the local community through stewardship, community outreach and education, advocacy, and more.