Virginia Highlands

My family and I went to a seafood restaurant for lunch today in Virginia Highlands, and it had me thinking about how it fits with southern identity. Driving through the area, it has a distinct feel of being classy and old. Around this area however, are several homeless and poorer parts of Atlanta. This article is the "History of Virginia-Highland" describes the history of this area, and how it began as a farm after the War of 1812. It was greatly effected during the Civil War like much of Atlanta, and later rebuilt into the neighborhood with most construction of the houses occurring form 1910-1930.

From the article above,

"Today Virginia-Highland is one of Atlanta’s most desirable neighborhoods. The neighborhood’s historic structures, which include the Samuel M. Inman School, the 1904 Adair Mansion, Fire Station #19, as well as historic homes, give the community a distinct sense of place. Virginia-Highland’s rich urban fabric and

walkability create a pleasant environment that all can appreciate. "

This explains the old, yet pleasant environment that I felt when traveling through the area. However all of the success in the area still has it's downsides.

"Today the neighborhood is plagued by parking and traffic problems. Furthermore, the business composition of the neighborhood is greatly changing and becoming more tourist and less resident-oriented. Each weekend thousands of cars descend on the neighborhood streets and wreak havoc. Many area residents cannot leave their homes because of blocked driveways and many patrons cannot find parking. "

In conclusion, I think that the this area creates a sense of southern identity, with such a rich southern history now sitting in an urban area, it creates a sensational place. The housing is all 1900's southern, and with many cites to see such as Fire Station #19 which was built in 1924. With several people coming from other areas so visit Virginia Highlands, all of the people might not reflect the south, however the look of the area and the historic significance allow an accurate representation of the visual part of the South.