Neighborhood Boundaries And Nearby Communities
Perkerson is bounded on its northern edge by State Route 166 and on its eastern edge by the Downtown Connector and Interstate 75. The western perimeter follows the border separating Atlanta from the neighboring city of East Point. To the south, Cleveland Avenue marks the edge of the community, where Plunkett Town once stood near the present-day Interstate 75 interchange. Across Cleveland Avenue to the south sits the neighborhood of Hammond Park, which reaches southward toward Hapeville. Other communities within Neighborhood Planning Unit X include Capitol View and Sylvan Hills, which sit at least a mile to the north.
Pioneer Heritage And Residential Growth
Pioneer Thomas Jefferson Perkerson first settled land lots 103 and 104 in the mid-1830s, establishing a homestead along Perkerson Road, historically known as Old Rough and Ready Road. His home famously survived the Civil War burning of Atlanta because Matilda Perkerson Gilbert was too ill to be moved. Following the death of resident Lizzie Perkerson Butler, the Perkerson family property was subdivided into Perkerson Park and Sylvan Hills in 1944. Jeremiah S. Gilbert and Thomas J. Perkerson had earlier assembled 500 acres from land originally held by county physician William Gilbert and tavern keeper Charner Humphries. The original Perkerson homestead stood for more than a century before being demolished for grocery store construction. Widespread residential development across the remaining acreage culminated during the 1950s.
Historic Landmarks And Local Attractions
The community features prominent landmarks including the historic Jeremiah S. Gilbert House situated at 2238 Perkerson Road Southwest. Constructed in 1868 on a heavily wooded lot, the two-story rectangular farmhouse incorporates field stones, mortar, and wood. The landmark property fronts 600 feet along the east side of Perkerson Road, beginning 225 feet from Langston Drive. Other notable locations within the area include the Jeremiah S. Gilbert State Memorial Site at Avery Park and Roseland Cemetery. Residents also enjoy proximity to the expansive 49-acre Perkerson Park located just outside the residential boundaries.