Georgia's State Historic Sites
See artifacts, volunteers dressed in period garb, battle re-enactments and more at these historically significant sites in Georgia.
Georgia's Historic Sites are often overlooked amid the chatter of the state parks, but they hold treasures that should not be missed. Visit Georgia's State Historic Sites and experience what makes them special.
1. Chief Vann House Historic Site, Chatsworth
The Vann House was the first brick home in the Cherokee Nation, built in 1804 by the wealthiest gentleman at that time, James Vann, who passed it to his son Joseph after his death. Joseph and his family were forcibly removed in 1835 due to the Indian Removal Act. It survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home.
2. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville
These mounds were home to several thousand people more than 400 years ago. Examine six mounds yourself, taking note that this is the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeastern United States.
3. New Echota Historic Site, Calhoun
New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation and home to the first Cherokee newspaper, The Phoenix. It is here where major players of the Trail of Tears resided, including Samuel Worcester and Elias Boudinot. Visitors can see original and reconstructed buildings from this town that bore the Treaty of New Echota, leading to the Trail of Tears.
4. Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Dallas
One of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation sits at Pickett’s Mill in Dallas. Visitors will find a museum, earthworks and wooded trails with a beautiful creek. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during Gen. Sherman's Georgia campaign.
1. Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, Dahlonega
This museum tells the story of how the gold rush began in Georgia and ultimately led to the Trail of Tears. It is housed in an 1836 Federal/Greek Revival building in the center of town square, which is the oldest surviving courthouse in Georgia.
2. Hardman Farm Historic Site, Sautee-Nacoochee
The Hardman Farm is Georgia’s newest historic site and most recognized by the gazebo that sits upon an Indian mound near Helen. The last of the Hardmans to own the farm was governor of Georgia in the early 1900s; his farm, Italianate home and property are now available for visitors to tour.
3. Traveler's Rest Historic Site, Toccoa
Tour this home and inn originally built in 1815 along the Unicoi Turnpike. It was purchased in 1833 and served as home to three generations of the Jarrett family, who doubled the size of the inn. You’ll notice a considerable amount of period artifacts and furnishings.
1. Fort King George Historic Site, Darien
A fort of the British Empire, and so much more; this land along the Altamaha River was coveted for more than 500 years. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail.
2. Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway
See the mound that protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Earthwork remains and a scenic view can be enjoyed today.
3. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, Brunswick
Tour the rice plantation of William Brailsford, whose family worked the marsh lands from the 1830s until 1913. Visitors can tour the mansion as it once was, with family heirlooms throughout the home.
4. Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah
Like a scene from movie, you’ll enter the property on an avenue lined with live oaks that lead to the ruins of this colonial frontier home. Wormsloe's ruin is the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built by Noble Jones in the early 1700s when he settled here after arriving with James Oglethorpe.
1. Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, Juliette
This modest Georgia plantation was owned by a single family for more than 140 years – even surviving Sherman’s March to the Sea. Tour the buildings of this relic, and don’t miss the fall event when a steam engine-driven cane press turns sugar cane to syrup.
1. Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site, Thomasville
The Lapham-Patterson site is an astute demonstration of the grandeur of Victorian architecture. The shoe merchant’s late 1800s home had its own gas lighting system, hot and cold running water, and indoor plumbing.
1. Little White House Historic Site, Warm Springs
Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for his polio, and he built this house a few years later. Many important and unusual artifacts of Roosevelt are on display in his home, which has been preserved in the same manner he left it.
1. Robert Toombs House Historic Site, Washington
Senator Robert Toombs' helped lead Georgia in secession that drove the Civil War. Tour the house and grounds of this Confederate who would have preferred to lead the charge against the north, but resigned to help Georgia draft its original Constitution.
