The Michael Jackson Childhood Home, also known as the Jackson Family Home, is a historic house located at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, where American music artist Michael Jackson lived during his childhood, as well as his siblings and parents, members of the famous Jackson family.
Description and history General Built in 1949, the house was purchased by the newly married Joseph and Katherine Jackson in January 1950 for $8,500 (equivalent to around $117,771.91 in 2026 adjusted for inflation) With about of living space, the one-story two bedroom bungalow became the backdrop for the early years of the Jackson family, particularly the rise of the Jackson 5, a music band of brothers who later achieved international fame. The Jacksons resided in the house until 1969 when the family's career led them to relocate to California, though Katherine Jackson still owns the house. Contrary to popular belief, the home's address of 2300 Jackson Street was not named after the Jackson family but actually after the 7th President of the United States Andrew Jackson long before the Jackson family became famous.
In June 2003, Micheal Jackson made an unexpected visit to Gary for the first time since he and his family moved from Gary in 1969 when he was 9 years old. He went to Gary's city hall to accept the Key to the City award and after a brief press conference about feeling happy to visit his home town, went to his childhood home where a family member named Tim Brown resided in the house and reminisced about his childhood in front of a crowd of one thousand people.
Over the years, the house has remained largely unchanged, while the surrounding neighborhood has changed significantly since the Jackson family's time in the city. Since Michael Jackson's death, the house has attracted visitors from around the world and evolved into a pilgrimage destination, prompting preservation initiatives to highlight the property's historic significance.
In 2010, an eight‑foot‑tall granite memorial stone honoring Michael Jackson was installed in the front yard. Later, in 2021, the Indiana Department of Transportation installed signage along Interstate 80/94 and nearby roads identifying 2300 Jackson Street as the "Home of the World-Famous Jackson 5", officially marking the site for visitors and acknowledging its cultural importance.
Architecture and design The house, a modest Midwestern bungalow, is a clear example of the Minimal Traditional architectural style popular in postwar working-class neighborhoods. The property's interior, arranged on a single story, comprises two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom within approximately . Characterized by its simple and functional design, the house features clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
Historic Site designation In May 2024, Indiana Landmarks, through its Black Heritage Preservation Program, prepared an application seeking historic designation for the Michael Jackson Childhood Home, aiming for the property to be classified on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gallery
See also List of monuments and memorials to Michael Jackson Hayvenhurst Neverland Ranch 2300 Jackson Street
References
External links
Michael Jackson Childhood Home on the Historical Marker Database