Michael Jackson’s 66th birthday is set for August 29, and a significant destination for fans of the King of Pop is 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, his childhood home. This location also holds historical importance as the birthplace of the Jackson 5 and superstar Janet Jackson.
The Jackson family moved into the 672-square-foot bungalow in January 1950, where all nine children, including Rebbie and Janet, were born. Sadly, Brandon Jackson, Marlon’s twin brother, died shortly after birth.
2300 Jackson Street is located just off I-90, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Chicago. In 2021, signage was added near the Hard Rock Casino on I-80/94, directing visitors to the iconic site, a change from the previous lack of any indication of its significance.
The address inspired the 1989 album “2300 Jackson Street” by The Jacksons, which features a lead single that discusses the family’s home in Gary, showcasing sisters Rebbie and Janet Jackson. However, the music video for the single was filmed at the Jackson estate in Encino, California, not in Gary.
Interestingly, Jackson Street in Gary is not named after the famous musical family; it honors Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president.
The house itself is gated and situated in a residential area with many boarded-up buildings. Once inside, it may not appear significantly different from other homes, though there are pavement markers to denote its historical importance. A large marble plaque was placed in the yard after Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009 but was removed in 2018.
There are currently no tours available at this childhood home. Additionally, it lacks a gift shop, and there are no nearby stores or restaurants. However, plans for the Jackson Street of Dreams project aim to purchase the adjacent home to create a small museum shop and encourage community revitalization.
The Jacksons left their home in Gary in August 1969 when Joe Jackson and the Jackson 5 moved to Los Angeles, with the rest of the family following in December of that year.