Though not technically an Atlanta neighborhood, Decatur is a beautiful and quaint community that sits quietly next to the huge sprawling city. Located about 15 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta, Decatur is very impressive in how it has managed to retain its own identity full of small town charm and character. Founded in 1823, it is one of the oldest municipalities in the Atlanta metro region, and was named in honor of Stephen Decatur - a War of 1812 naval hero. Decatur became the county seat of DeKalb County, and despite the fact that DeKalb's two delegates to the Secession Convention of 1861 voted "no" to secession, Decatur became the site of much of the devastating Battle of Atlanta.
In 1889, the Decatur Female Seminary was founded in Decatur as a place for women to pursue higher education, and in 1906 the seminary became Agnes Scott College. Agnes Scott still stands as one of the South's most important women's liberal arts colleges, and as an integral part of Decatur life. Decatur is also home to the Art Institute of Atlanta and DeVry University, giving downtown Decatur a bit of a college town feel. Decatur is really remarkable, not just in its quaintness, but in its citizens' commitment to community and diversity. There is a sense of community on every corner, and there's a real feeling of quiet open-mindedness that's very pleasant.
Possibly due to, or at least not hurt by, the presence of a women's liberal arts college, Decatur has a very large lesbian population. In fact, Decatur is home to one of the largest lesbian communities in the country. There are a lot of gay men too, and a lot of aging hippie types, and as a result there's no shortage of artists, craftspeople, and yoga teachers. And, Decatur is home to large and growing Ethiopian and Indian communities.
In exploring Decatur I was drawn, again, to reflection and texture. Whereas, in Atlanta's Oakland neighborhood, the cycle of urban decay and transition and reuse took front and center, Decatur feels more connected to a more constant, steady history. I was also looking at public space, in particular the downtown square and the MARTA station, to try to capture the sense of community that is ever present.
In 1889, the Decatur Female Seminary was founded in Decatur as a place for women to pursue higher education, and in 1906 the seminary became Agnes Scott College. Agnes Scott still stands as one of the South's most important women's liberal arts colleges, and as an integral part of Decatur life. Decatur is also home to the Art Institute of Atlanta and DeVry University, giving downtown Decatur a bit of a college town feel. Decatur is really remarkable, not just in its quaintness, but in its citizens' commitment to community and diversity. There is a sense of community on every corner, and there's a real feeling of quiet open-mindedness that's very pleasant.
Possibly due to, or at least not hurt by, the presence of a women's liberal arts college, Decatur has a very large lesbian population. In fact, Decatur is home to one of the largest lesbian communities in the country. There are a lot of gay men too, and a lot of aging hippie types, and as a result there's no shortage of artists, craftspeople, and yoga teachers. And, Decatur is home to large and growing Ethiopian and Indian communities.
In exploring Decatur I was drawn, again, to reflection and texture. Whereas, in Atlanta's Oakland neighborhood, the cycle of urban decay and transition and reuse took front and center, Decatur feels more connected to a more constant, steady history. I was also looking at public space, in particular the downtown square and the MARTA station, to try to capture the sense of community that is ever present.
You have an obsession with Marta stations. If only they smelled as good as your pictures look. Nice job!
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