Michael Jackson would have turned 66 on August 29, and for fans of the King of Pop, a pilgrimage to 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, is a fitting tribute. This location is where Michael, his siblings in the Jackson 5, and superstar Janet Jackson spent their early years.
The home at 2300 Jackson Street is a modest two-bedroom bungalow that Joe and Katherine Jackson moved into in January 1950. It served as the birthplace for all nine Jackson children, including Rebbie and Janet. Tragically, Brandon, Marlon’s twin, passed shortly after birth.
Located just off I-90, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Chicago, the house didn’t have much in the way of signage for many years. However, in 2021, a sign was erected on I-80/94 near the Hard Rock Casino to direct visitors to the historical site.
The address also inspired the title of The Jacksons’ 1989 album, “2300 Jackson Street,” which features a single of the same name discussing the family’s life in Gary and includes appearances by sisters Rebbie and Janet Jackson. Despite the song’s themes, the accompanying music video was filmed at the Jackson estate in Encino, California, not at the original Gary home.
The street itself is not named after the Jackson family but after Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president. The childhood home, now in a deteriorating section of the neighborhood, is gated and lacks significant markers beyond a few pavement indicators. Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, a marble plaque was placed in the yard to honor him, but it was removed in 2018.
At present, there are no tours available at the childhood home, and it does not feature a gift shop, with no nearby shops or restaurants. However, there are aspirations through the Jackson Street of Dreams initiative to acquire an adjacent property and develop it into a small museum shop. The city is encouraging efforts to restore other houses in the area.
In August 1969, Joe Jackson and the Jackson 5 relocated to Los Angeles, followed by the rest of the family in December of that year.