The Wren's Nest, Home of Joel Chandler Harris

For many of us who grew up in the South, the Uncle Remus tales of Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit are early memories that taught important lessons. Joel Chandler Harris, who wrote the stories, was a prominent newspaper reporter and editor in Atlanta, Georgia. He had already published his first Uncle Remus book, when he moved into the house that he wanted for a retreat in 1881. He continued to live there until his death in 1908, and most of his writing was done from here.

The house had been built in 1870 by George Muse, an established clothier in Atlanta. Harris rented the farmhouse for two years and then purchased it. At that time, it set more in the country than today. Harris hired well-known architect, George Humphreys, to renovate the cottage into a large house that still maintained its cottage charm. 

The house became known as the Wren's Nest, after the children found a wren's nest inside their mailbox. They quickly put up a new mailbox, so the wrens could live in peace. The house has gone by that name ever since.

Today it's noted as the oldest museum home in Atlanta. It has changed little since Harris's death and contains furnishings original to the family. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.


The Joel Chandler Harris Home or the Wren's Nest
1050 Ralph Abernathy Blvd.
(In southwest Atlanta off I-20 at exit 55A)
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 2:30 pm, except major holidays
404-753-7735
http://www.wrensnest.org/

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