The Margaret Mitchell House and Gone With the Wind Museum offer a look into the life of the renowned author and a chance to revisit Atlanta in 1939 for the three-day gala that surrounded the premier of the movie made from the book Mitchell wrote. The guided tour begins in the Visitors Center, then takes you through the house Mitchell called "The Dump" and expands on our view of the author, including information on her other career as a columnist for the Atlanta Journal.

It was in an apartment in this building that Mitchell and her second husband, John Marsh, lived while she wrote her masterpiece, Gone With The Wind. The novel, completed in 1929 would remain unpublished until 1936. In 1932 Mitchell moved to a larger apartment, where she was living when her novel was published. After reading the novel her first husband contacted her claiming she had modeled Rhett Butler after him and wanting to see her again. She fled to Gainesville (he was physically abusive during their relationship and raped her in 1924).

Margaret Mitchell Photo credit:GA Dept. of Industry, Trade and Tourism

With the publication of the book "Peggy" became an instant celebrity. Within a year the book is nominated and wins a Pulitzer Prize and Mitchell sells the movie rights to David O. Selznick. On December 15, 1939 the movie opens to rave reviews and virtually sweeps the Oscars. Mitchell struggles with her shyness during this time.

While crossing Peachtree Street (at 13th Street, according to our docent) in downtown in 1949 she was hit by a drunken taxicab driver and died 5 days later from her injuries. Mitchell and her husband were on their way to see "Canterbury Tales" after stopping for a drink at the Atlanta Women's Club. She is buried in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.

The apartment house was burned by arsonists twice before restoration was complete. The second fire nearly ended the project but thanks to the help of German auto-maker Daimler Benz, who donated several million dollars, the restoration continued. The building opened for visitors in May, 1997.

The Gone With the Wind Museum, included in the entrance fee, is a modest look at both the making of the movie and the movie itself and life in Atlanta in December, 1939. The outstanding exhibit in the museum is the door from the original Tara, on loan from the Talmadge family of Swainsboro.

Margaret Mitchell's story is a deeply saddening affair, and our docent did not try to gloss over any of the sordid details. When asked, she even offered the name of the drunk taxi driver that killed Mitchell.

Roadside Georgia tips: The easiest way to get to the museum is via MARTA. The "Midtown" MARTA Station is a block away. If you want to drive to the museum there is a small parking lot behind it on Crescent Street (1 block west of Peachtree St. on 10th St.), It is best to visit early Saturday or Sunday morning if driving.

Margaret Mitchell House and Museum
999 Peachtree St. NE (Corner of Peachtree and 10th)
Atlanta, Georgia
404.249.7012

Fees:
Adults: S12.00
Seniors and students: $9.00
Children 6-17 $5.00
Group discounts available, major credit cards accepted
Hours 9:30am - 5pm Daily

Official Margaret Mitchell House Home Page


Location: Midtown Atlanta, at the corner of 10th and Peachtree
Directions: From the Downtown Connector (where I-75 and I-85 run together), take the 10th St./14th St. Exit east. Turn Right on Crescent Ave. and park.
Additional information:

Date added: November 16, 2003
Last update: January 20, 2004