Celebrating Michael Jackson’s 66th Birthday at His Childhood Home

Michael Jackson’s 66th birthday is on August 29, and fans of the King of Pop are encouraged to visit 2300 Jackson St. in Gary, Indiana, on this special day. This location is known as his childhood home and the birthplace of the legendary Jackson 5 and superstar Janet Jackson.

The Jackson family moved into the small two-bedroom bungalow in January 1950. Katherine Jackson has been quoted saying that this house is where all nine Jackson children were born, from Rebbie Jackson to Janet Jackson. Sadly, Brandon Jackson, Marlon’s twin brother, passed shortly after birth.

Gary, Indiana, is located about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago and is named after the seventh U.S. president, Andrew Jackson. In recent years, signage was added to guide visitors to 2300 Jackson St., including a sign on I-80/94 in Gary, located near the Hard Rock Casino.

The title «2300 Jackson Street» is not only the name of The Jacksons’ 1989 album but also features a song that pays homage to their childhood home. However, the music video for this song was filmed at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson estate in Encino, California.

Currently, the residence is a gated property situated within a neighborhood that has many boarded-up buildings. While the house itself does not prominently display its significance, there are some pavement markers commemorating its heritage.

After Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, a large marble plaque was installed in the yard to honor him, but this plaque was removed in 2018. There are no official tours or shops associated with Michael and Janet Jackson’s childhood home, and visitors should note that there are no nearby stores or restaurants available.

Nonetheless, there are plans in place by the local community project to purchase the home next door and convert it into a small museum shop to celebrate the Jackson legacy. The city has also encouraged others to consider rehabilitating homes in the area as part of revitalization efforts.

Joe Jackson and the Jackson 5 relocated to Los Angeles in August 1969, followed by the rest of the family in December of that year.