Mountain View, Georgia, Clayton County is a ghost town that once thrived with life and activity. Today, it is a tribute to the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of communities. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Clayton County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 33.6411° N, 84.3733° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,010 feet (308 meters)
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: 1978
Comments: Mountain View was a relatively small community near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Its proximity to the airport played a significant role in its eventual demise. During the 1970s, the expansion of the airport and the resulting noise pollution made the area less desirable for residential living. The government initiated a buyout program to acquire properties, leading to the disbandment of the town.
Remains: The area that was once Mountain View is now largely uninhabited. While no significant structures remain from the original town, some roads and infrastructure still exist, serving as silent reminders of the community that once was.
Current Status: The land that Mountain View occupied is now primarily used for industrial purposes and airport-related activities. The change in land use reflects the area’s adaptation to the growing demands of air travel and transportation.
Remarks: Mountain View’s story is a poignant example of how modern development and infrastructure expansion can impact small communities. While it no longer exists as a residential area, its history remains a part of Clayton County’s legacy, illustrating the complex interplay between urban growth and community preservation.
Mountain View was a city from 1956 to January 1978, when the Georgia General Assembly voted to repeal the city charter. A five-member delegation of Clayton County legislators proposed a bill to abolish the city to clean up corruption in the city government.
During his four terms in office (1972-1977), Mayor Ray King, though popular with his constituents, was charged with bribery, nepotism, conspiracy, assault, and violating the city charter by accepting an illegal salary. Rather than reform the city leadership, Clayton County sought to dissolve Mountain View entirely.
State Representative Rudolph Johnson of Morrow, chair of the delegation, said, “They’ve had controversy out there for 20 years. It’s an accumulation of things, really.”
