Herndon Home

The Herndon Home was the home of Alonzo Franklin Herndon. He was a hero for many as he was a person born as a slave, but he managed to become the first African American millionaire of Atlanta, Georgia. His mansion was a display of this wealth. He was responsible for starting the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

Herndon Mansion was built in 1910 at 587 University Place Northwest. It was part of the Vine City Neighborhood. In 2000, the home was added to the National Historic Landmark Registry. However, in 1989 it was already on the list for landmark building exterior. The Herndon Home is vacant and now residing on what is Auburn Avenue. Unfortunately, the house has not managed to remain in good condition due to the 2008 tornado which damaged this mansion and the governor's mansion.

The property now sits empty as much of the house was demolished. It was one of three properties as part of the Auburn Historic District that was associated with Alonzo Herndon. The Atlanta Life Insurance Company building and Rucker Building are the other two. They are also on the registry for national landmarks. Given the state of the building and the grounds there is not much to tour other than to see the sight that was once home to an important man.