Michael Jackson’s 66th birthday is on August 29, and what better destination for fans of the King of Pop than 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana? This location is the childhood home of Jackson, celebrated as one of the greatest entertainers globally, as well as the birthplace of the Jackson 5 and superstar Janet Jackson.
2300 Jackson Street is a modest two-bedroom bungalow where Joe and Katherine Jackson settled in January 1950. It was here that all nine Jackson children were born, including Rebbie Jackson and Janet Jackson. Tragically, Brandon Jackson, Marlon’s twin brother, passed away shortly after birth.
Located about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago, 2300 Jackson Street can be easily accessed off I-90. In 2021, a sign was erected on I-80/94 in Gary, near the Hard Rock Casino, finally directing visitors to the legendary home.
The address inspired the title of The Jacksons’ 1989 album “2300 Jackson Street,” along with its lead single that features contributions from sisters Rebbie and Janet Jackson. Notably, the music video for the single was filmed at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family’s estate in Encino, California, rather than in Gary.
Despite the fame associated with the Jackson family, Jackson Street in Gary is not named after them; the street honors Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.
Currently, 2300 Jackson Street is in a residential area characterized by many boarded-up buildings. The house is gated, and while there are some pavement markers, little distinguishes it as the birthplace of such iconic talent. Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, a marble plaque was added to honor him, but it was removed in 2018, according to a YouTube documentary channel.
There are no tours available of Michael and Janet Jackson’s childhood home, and no gift shop exists at the site. Additionally, there are no nearby shops or restaurants. However, plans are underway through the Jackson Street of Dreams project to acquire the neighboring home and establish a small museum shop, with the city encouraging the renovation of nearby properties.
The Jackson family left their Gary home in August 1969 when Joe Jackson and the Jackson 5 moved to Los Angeles, with the rest of the family following by December.