One of the oldest African American neighborhoods in Atlanta, Reynoldstown began as an area to which former slaves migrated for employment after the Civil War. In 1866, Madison and Sarah Reynolds and their seven children moved from Covington, Georgia, to the area, which eventually became named for the Reynolds family.

The Georgia railroad, which ran along the northern section of the neighborhood, became a primary source of employment for many displace freed slaves who migrated to the city in search of work. There was also a sawmill and a ready supply of water and timber. Therefore, the area soon became known as one that offered many opportunities for African Americans. The freed slaves settled in the area and began to build new lives for their families. Houses and churches were built.

By 1870 the area had become a viable community and was known by its present name, Reynoldstown-named in honor of Madison Reynolds who had become a prominent and successful landowner in the area. For many years he operated a store on Wylie Street as he steadily acquired his fortune. His son, Isaiah P. Reynolds, who inherited his father’s fortune, also became legendary in Reynoldstown. Following an education at the original Clark College, I.P. Reynolds expanded his father’s enterprises. He dealt in real estate, served as an advocate in civil disputes, and erected a two-story brick store which still stands at 912 Wylie Street, at the corner of Wylie and Kenyon Streets. In the 1880’s, the Atlanta Street Railroad Company extended its trolley system through Reynoldstown, shortening the half-hour walk to the city. In 1909, Reynoldstown became officially annexed to the city of Atlanta. By that time there were four main streets – Wylie, Oliver (now Kenyon), Clark and Flat Shoals Avenue. The intersection of Wylie and Oliver was the hub of the neighborhood. Wylie was the first street to be paved and was for years the only paved street, thus the main thoroughfare.