Explore the Life & Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Published September 17, 2020
Last Updated November 25, 2020

As a prominent civil rights activist in the 1950s and ‘60s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. won hearts and minds worldwide for his visionary leadership, powerful oratory and tirelessly nonviolent opposition to racism. Inspired by Mahatma Ghandi and by his own Christian faith, he applied the principles of civil disobedience to achieve social change – with resounding success. His work as an organizer and spokesman for peaceful protests such as the 1963 March on Washington, when he delivered his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. At 35, he was the youngest person ever to win that esteemed award. His tragic assassination in 1968 cut short a life of vision and dedication.

Time has marched on, and the buildings that once witnessed the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are now the keepers of his legacy – a legacy that is as deeply meaningful now as ever before. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta comprises 35 acres and multiple buildings that tell the story of his life, such as his boyhood home and the church where he and his father were pastors. It also houses the Martin Luther King Memorial tomb as part of The King Center, a “living memorial” created to continue Dr. King’s work.

Things to Do at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Tour the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home to see where Dr. King was born and lived during the first 12 years of his life. View the historic Fire Station No. 6, one of the South’s first desegregated fire houses, on your way to Dr. King’s birth home. 

Enjoy the roses and fountain at the International World Peace Rose Garden and view the “Behold” Monument. 

Listen to the sermons and speeches of Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Browse exhibits about the history of the church or watch a video of Dr. King’s sister as she talks about her family and the church. 

Visit The King Center, which continues to spread the radical, nonviolent ministry through educational and inspirational materials including audio, video, and the preserved writings of Dr. King. Pay your respects at Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb and view the Eternal Flame. 

Walk in the footsteps of heroes at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, the only walkway to feature authentic shoe prints of civil rights pioneers.