On Dec. 3, 1918, the city opted to honor Gen. John J. Pershing, who had successfully led U.S. forces in Europe during World War I, by changing the name of Goldsboro Park. The land initially had been donated to the city with the intention that no buildings would be built on the site where Peachtree and West Peachtree streets meet.

With a public park honoring the war dead and a newly built hotel, Pershing Point quickly became a primary meeting place and social center for Atlanta, comparable to Buckhead, Five Points and the 10th Street retail area in Midtown.

File (ENLARGE)

By the time the hotel (above) was torn down in 1985, it was in disrepair; an office building now presides "where the Peachtrees meet."

(ENLARGE)

Originally, the Pershing Point Hotel, nestled near the white-column-accented girlhood home of "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell, was a popular destination for travelers. The structure, which opened in 1927 at 1428 Peachtree St., used the slogan "Eat and Sleep Where the Peachtrees Meet" to lure diners and travelers. Architect Lloyd Preacher, who also designed Atlanta City Hall, built it. Following his historic flight across the Atlantic, aviator Charles Lindbergh was feted at Pershing Point on Oct. 11, 1927. Over the years, the property fluctuated between serving as a hotel and apartment rentals.

Like its regal Midtown neighbor the Biltmore, over the years the Pershing Point fell into disrepair and neglect, its 300 rooms attracting young residents seeking cheap rents and colorful neighbors.

The buildings, along with the Stratford Hall apartment house, were finally abandoned in 1984 and razed a year later. None of the structures were on any lists of historic places.

An office building now rests on the hotel site.

— Richard L. Eldredge

Sources: "Atlanta and Environs, Vol. II" by Franklin Garrett; "Atlanta Then and Now" by Michael Rose; AJC archives