Government shutdown closes MLK Jr. historic site

Visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site were disappointed Saturday to learn that the federal government shutdown meant they could not see the historic landmarks they had hoped.

"The house was closed because they say the government shut it down," said Zekina Perry, who is in town from Charlotte and wanted to see MLK, Jr.'s birth home with her husband and son.  "The Ebenezer Church had signs all over it stating that we couldn't even go in there to take a look at that, which was a little disappointing."  

Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution by midnight Friday to keep the federal government funded.  This is the first government shutdown since 2013.

"We should make a priority at least if it's not for the whole budget, it should be for the things that are really important," said Madison Camp, who drove from Lawrenceville to visit the historic site on Saturday.  

"Essential" government operations can continue during a shutdown including the Transportation Security Administration, air traffic control and the U.S. Postal Service.

The King Center is not funded by government dollars and remained open Saturday.