The neighborhood sprang up in the late 19th century, adjacent to several railroad lines just south of downtown.

The neighborhood went into heavy decline caused by out migration of many middle white class families to the suburbs, rampant crime, and the construction of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and the nearby interstate highways.

Middle class families and individuals are moving back to the neighborhood, many abandoned and damaged homes have been renovated by investors, new constructed homes are growing in the neighborhood, economic development has improved, property values are steadily increasing, and racial diversity is on the rise again.

In the film ATL, the main characters, Rashad (played by Atlanta native, rapper T.I.)

Big Gee of Boyz n da Hood was born in Mechanicsville and currently lives there.