History in Georgia State Parks

 

Georgia has played a role in many significant events that formed our nation as we know it today. As a result, we have many historic treasures—filled with fascinating stories—open for tours. You can also experience living-history programs and reenactments in true-to-life detail during dozens of events throughout the year. Don’t just travel across the state; travel back in time.


Admission Fees & Passes

Admission fees vary among historic sites, and disabled veteran discounts are available. Group rates are available with reservations. History enthusiasts and home schoolers can save money with a State Historic Site Annual Pass. These provide unlimited admission to Georgia’s state historic sites and may be purchased at the sites or online. Combo passes including Georgia’s State Parks are also available, and free passes may be checked out from Georgia public libraries. Buy Passes.


Pet Policy

Some sites allow leashed pets on the grounds, but none allow pets inside buildings. Call ahead to confirm policies.


School Field Trips & Group Tours

Our historians make field trips memorable and fun, plus many sites provide educational materials that can be used at home or in the classroom. Group tours may be arranged in advance.


Georgia’s State Historic Sites by Category

Unique Homes

Hardman Farm State Historic Site, Sautee-Nacoochee

The house, built in 1870 by Captain James Nichols, is a grand example of Italianate architecture and was originally known as “West End” because it was at the west end of the Nacoochee valley. Best recognized by its gazebo-topped Indian mound and cow pasture, this is a favorite landmark in north Georgia.

Lapham-Patterson House State Historic Site, Thomasville

This 1884 home is a monument to the imagination, creative engineering and craftsmanship of the Victorian Era when Thomasville was a bustling resort town. The house had its own gas lighting system, hot and cold running water and indoor plumbing.

Little White House State Historic Site, Warm Springs

F.D. Roosevelt built this house in 1932 so he could seek therapy in the nearby warm springs used by polio patients. Today, visitors will see the famous "unfinished portrait" which he was posing for when he passed away, a film with historic footage and his 1938 Ford roadster.

Robert Toombs House State Historic Site, Washington

This stately home is located in scenic Washington, known for its lovely architecture. The story of Senator Robert Toombs' participation in the Civil War is told in his restored and furnished home.

Traveler's Rest State Historic Site, Toccoa

This 1833 plantation home was expanded to accommodate the growing number of travelers passing through northeast Georgia in the mid-1800s. Most furnishings are original antiques.

 

Plantations

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site, Brunswick

A forgotten empire comes alive at this scenic rice plantation set among live oaks near the Altamaha River. Tour the antebellum home furnished with antiques and the museum showcasing fine silver.

Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site, Juliette

This middle Georgia plantation features 20 buildings dating from 1847 to 1945, including a three-story barn, smokehouse, cane press, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, saw mill and syrup mill.

 

Native Americans

Chief Vann House State Historic Site, Chatsworth

Called the "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation," this brick mansion was built by Chief James Vann in 1804. Decorated with beautiful carvings and natural hues, the home features a cantilevered stairway and fine antiques.

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, Cartersville

These mounds were home to several thousand people more than 400 years ago. Climb the tallest mound and imagine aboriginal life between 1000–1500 A.D.

Kolomoki Mounds State Park, Blakely

Seven mounds built during the 12th and 13th centuries by Swift Creek and Weeden Island Indians are protected at this southwest Georgia historic site.

New Echota State Historic Site, Calhoun

New Echota was the Cherokee capital from 1825 until 1838 when the Cherokee were uprooted from their land and removed westward during the Trail of Tears. Today, visitors can tour the Supreme Courthouse, the Council House, Vann's Tavern, and the print shop where a bilingual newspaper was produced after Sequoyah developed their first written language.

 

Civil War

A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville

Liberty Hall, the 1875 home of the Confederate Vice President, is fully furnished and open for tours. A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia.

Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Nestled among giant live oaks, this is the best preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy and the end of General Sherman's March to the Sea.

Jefferson Davis Memorial State Historic Site, Fitzgerald

A monument and museum mark the spot where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured by Union cavalry in 1865.

Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas

Pickett's Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during Gen. Sherman's Georgia campaign.

 

Coastal Forts & Colonial Georgia

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien

From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway

This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury; a nature trail and picnic sites are available.

Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah

A breathtaking avenue lined with live oaks leads to the tabby ruins of this colonial frontier home. A museum houses artifacts excavated at Wormsloe and a film about the founding of the thirteenth colony.

 

Gold Rush

Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, Dahlonega

This museum in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse tells the story of how our nation's gold rush began in Georgia and ultimately led to the Trail of Tears.