9 Historic Georgia Homes That Bring the Past to Life

1. Barrington Hall

Just north of Atlanta is the town of Roswell, Georgia, where three historic antebellum homes give visitors a glimpse of the Old South. In classic Greek Revival style, Barrington Hall was built by one of the city's founders and preserved by his descendants for more than 160 years. There are also beautiful public gardens and outbuildings to explore.

2. Smith Plantation

Filled with artifacts from the 1800s, Smith Plantation originally included a farmhouse, slave quarters, and 300 acres of cotton fields. Today there is much to discover about the affluent lifestyle of one of Roswell's founding families.

3. Bulloch Hall

Bulloch Hall was the childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, the mother of President Theodore Roosevelt. On the tour you'll learn more about how this influential family was connected to other early American political leaders. Children can get a hands-on look at history in the Children's History Room where they can try on antebellum costumes and play games.

4. Swan House

Built in 1928 for a wealthy cotton businessman, Swan House is a stunning home that has been beautifully restored. Nearly as impressive as the lavish home are the gardens and elaborate fountains. Swan House interpreters play the role of individuals who lived and worked in the home. Talk with them for an enchanting way to bring the home's history to life. For a fee, you can get a behind-the-scenes tour to see how Swan House was used in the Hunger Games: Catching Fire film.  

5. Smith Family Farm

Get a glimpse of the hardships faced in rural Georgia during the Civil War at the Smith Family Farm. This historical home was moved to the Atlanta Historical Center in 1970 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are role-playing interpreters on the farm who can answer questions about life in the 1800s.

6. Margaret Mitchell House

Gone with the Wind fans can get a sneak peek into the life of author Margaret Mitchell at her Tudor Revival-style home. The home is located in the Atlanta History Center's midtown campus.

Wander through interactive exhibits about her life, and sign up for a tour of the apartment where she wrote her famous novel. Tours are available every half hour, but they fill fast. Be sure to sign up right when you arrive.

It's said that Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind, was inspired by the Greek Revival antebellum homes she saw in Jonesboro County, Georgia, when she created the fictional plantation Tara. Stately Oaks, built in 1839, is a modest plantation home within the Margaret Mitchell Memorial Park.

Originally built in 1859, the childhood home of President Woodrow Wilson required extensive work to restore the building to its former glory. The city of Augusta and many community groups worked tirelessly to preserve the home, which now serves as a museum depicting the life of our 28th President.

For the best experience, treat yourself to the Lands and Legacies Tour on Cumberland Island. You'll see the Plum Orchard Mansion, built in 1898 for the Carnegie family, and hear about the history from local caretakers. The tour also guides you through other historic sights on the island.

More Historic Georgia Homes

Can't get enough? Don't worry, Georgia has many more antebellum homes to fulfill your love affair with history.

• Owens-Thomas House in Savannah
• Hills and Dales Estate in LaGrange
• Andalusia in Milledgeville
• Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville
• The Wren's Nest in Atlanta
• Hay House in Macon