A few weeks ago, while dropping off a Christmas box at the North Highland Post Office in Morningside, I chatted with one of the most significant Atlantans of the 20th century: the unsinkable Mary Davis, longtime Atlanta councilwoman and I-485 warrior.

"I read your stories on social media, Jeff," she said.

While making holiday small talk with Ms. Davis, I became distracted by the parade of Range Rovers and sleek Mercedes next to us, jockeying for parking spots in front of the cool coffee house with the sophisticated lattes and flaky croissants. 

A bevy of pedestrians walked along North Highland on a warm December afternoon, led by their friendly dogs.

Interrupting Ms. Davis, I said, "Sorry, but my mind is wandering. Seeing all these people and fancy vehicles passing us, without you (50+ years ago), none of this possible, it's all 12 lanes and exits ramps."

The diminutive former activist and municipal leader laughed heartedly, "Yeah, that's right."

Mary Davis on Morningside in 1971

Mary Davis in 1971 on Morningside.

Along with Virginia Taylor, Barbara Ray, Adele Northrup and Virginia Gaddis, Mary Davis saved Atlanta from itself, rescuing Intown from I-485 destruction, fighting the city, the state, and government. Their unexpected, long shot victory changed City Hall and how we are governed. 

The highway was originally planned to cut a swath from I-85 to what is now the end of Georgia 400, crossing Peachtree Creek, running through the heart of Morningside, and directly over Orme Park, and ending up in many off and on ramps just south of Ponce.

A David and Goliath story of civic heroism. 

Ms. Davis would go on to serve 20 years on the Atlanta City Council, involved in so many important issues of our time, from health care to Piedmont Park.

Today, she is mostly involved with grandchildren and teaching history to young people. 

Jeff: Are you reflective as you walk Intown and see the remarkable transformation in the neighborhoods?

Mary: Yes, I am in the especially reflective part of my life now, and I do think about these neighborhoods and their transformation. I hope these neighborhoods remain beautiful and people keep a sense of community.

Jeff: Does it bother you, most residents in these bustling areas know little of the heroic fight to stop the freeway? 

State government, city government, powerful business all queued up to slam a six-lane freeway through intown with nary a peep, complaint or murmur from the neighborhood.

State government, city government, powerful business all queued up to slam a six-lane freeway through intown with nary a peep, complaint or murmur from the neighborhood.

Mary: I wish they knew more, but I don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about it. My children and many friends encourage me to write about it and I should! I am bothered when people write inaccuracies about the battle, which was intense. I have found MLPA newsletters in which I wrote reports to the neighborhood during that time, and I would like for current residents to read them.

Jeff: Chatting with you at the post office on North Highland, none of those businesses, neighborhoods would have happened without Mary Davis, is there a special satisfaction for you?

Mary: Yes, deep satisfaction and a feeling of gratitude that I knew what to do. Of course, at the time, I did not know we’d succeed, but I was determined. We developed a small team of friends who met regularly for support and strategy. Most of us had supported or been active in the Civil Rights Movement and in voting rights. Most of us had young children, too. Organizing had to be door-to-door and by telephone; no email, no texting, all in person, all volunteer (except for our attorney, who worked mostly pro bono, but we had to raise funds for court fees from the community). Research had to be done in person, typing was on typewriters!

Jeff: What stands out most, these years later about the fight?

Mary: Looking back, I am amazed that I knew what to do and that I spent so much time doing it. I also learned a great deal, and I believe the community did, too. I learned that you can build coalitions despite differences, that might does not always prevail. Plus much more!

Fight Your Neighbor Freeway

Credit: MLPA

Jeff: What are the misconceptions in 2026, that seemingly have become part of the 485 narrative?

Mary: I find myself annoyed by persons who write about the effort and do not know who did what. For instance, we supported candidates who supported our community, and we opposed those who wanted to destroy these neighborhoods. I did precinct organizing for those who supported us like Maynard Jackson for mayor and Andy Young for U.S. Congress. Others would have been supportive but were not yet elected. The alderman (City Council now) who supported us was Nick Lambros; our state rep who was supportive was Sidney Marcus. There’s more; this is a sample. Also, the legalities are rarely discussed, including the 3-C’s Planning Process (Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Continuing) and NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act). After 485 was defeated, the land where houses had been torn down had to be resold or the federal funds paid back. Planning for the re-use of the land and achieving the forgiveness of the payback for two parks, plus negotiating City involvement were additional battles. I had to convince the Governor at the time to de-map I-485.

Jeff: Had you failed, how different would Atlanta look today?

Mary: Atlanta would definitely not have our vibrant Eastside neighborhoods, parks, and businesses. Since the downtown business community of that time and Georgia Highway Department (now Transportation Department) also planned expressways on the Westside near the Atlanta University Center, those neighborhoods, businesses, and parks would also probably be gone. Would there be only skyscrapers and gas stations? A wasteland? I do not know.

Jeff: Your 20 years on Atlanta City Council, was it satisfying? What stands out for you?

Mary: Satisfying, in terms of what I could accomplish via legislation; satisfying in assisting citizens with their problems; satisfying in terms of making Atlanta more fair to everyone. I learned so much and made so many friends in Atlanta and even around the world (I served on many boards and commissions). It was not satisfying financially: we were in those days paid almost nothing and I always worked extra hours. I know that I made a difference for many people. I know that Piedmont Park is in better shape, that the city’s recycling exists because I was there. I love that I worked with my friend John Lewis to insure that the city was on record to support voting rights. I was able to sponsor and pass human rights legislation. There’s much more. I hope that I inspired my children and maybe my grandchildren.

Jeff: Optimistic about the city? The issue of income disparity threatens Atlanta, and there are no easy answers.

Mary: The issue of income disparity threatens the nation including Atlanta; the issue of a dramatically changing climate threatens human existence. Don’t our billionaires realize that we all breathe?

Jeff: Worried about the political extremes in 2026 America?

Mary: Yes, but I might not say it that way. I worry deeply about cruelty and greed, the lack of respect for law, and the lack of vision at this time. I hope people who read the story of I-485 work to build our communities, to take steps small or large to create a better future. I choose to be hopeful. 

Mary Davis and her daughter.

Mary Davis and her daughter.