Any Historic Homes Tour Atlanta Visitors Consider Would Not Be Complete Without These Six

By Sarah Brooks


If you are fascinated by the history of the Deep South, you need to visit some of its most historic residences. Although a lot of this city was burned by Sherman during the Civil War, there are still some architectural remnants left to observe. There are also more recent residences of equal interest. Six homes come to mind especially, and any historic homes tour Atlanta natives or visitors consider should include them.

Swan House, which today is part of the Atlanta History Center, is a magnificent example of the Second Renaissance style. Located in Inman Park, this house was built in 1928 by Edward and Emily Inman. Mr. Inman inherited a fortune built on cotton. He and his wife are on hand at the house to greet guests and reminisce about their lives in the stately mansion. You might even meet the architect, the designer, or Mr. Inman's personal chauffeur on your walk through the gracious rooms.

The Dump is what Margaret Mitchell called her ground floor apartment. This is where she wrote her masterpiece, Gone With the Wind. Peggy, as she was known was something of a wild child. Many debutantes of the time shunned her. When you visit The Dump you will learn a lot about the 1940 movie and its premier in the city, Peggy's dedication to her charity work, and her violent, but accidental, death.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Is arguably Atlanta's most famous citizen. He was born here, and his childhood home is open to visitors. This humble home is located in the Sweet Auburn District of this city. You can tour the entire two story house where all of its furniture is of the period. In addition to his home, you must visit his grave site, Freedom Hall, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The oldest surviving farmhouse in Atlanta is the Tully Smith House. It is part of Smith Family Farm. Touring this pre-Civil War house is like stepping back into the nineteenth century. You will see the smokehouse, slave garden, blacksmith shop, the detached kitchen, and the outhouse.

Just north of the city is the town of Roswell. Here you will find a number of pre-war estates in its historic district. Roswell was saved from burning by Sherman because the founder of this town, Roswell King, was a Northerner. Bulloch Hall is an opulent example of Greek Revival architecture. Theodore Roosevelt married Minnie Bulloch in the dining room of this house in 1853.

If you have the time, you really should travel south to Warm Springs to visit Franklin Roosevelt's Little White House. He first came to the community in hopes that the springs would cure his polio. He died in the house while posing for his portrait, which is still there and on display. His convertible with hand controls is in the museum.

If you are intrigued by the Deep South, you should consider visiting these residences. Each one is a piece of American history. They are a look back to a different time that reflects all the many varieties of southern culture.




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