Historic Site
(478) 986-5172
Nestled in the red clay hills of Georgia, this cotton plantation was owned by a single family for more than 140 years. It survived Gen. Sherman's "March to the Sea," typhoid fever, Emancipation, Reconstruction, the cotton boll weevil, the advent of steam power and a transition from farming to forestry.
In 1847, John Fitz Jarrell built a simple heart pine house typical of most plantations and made many of the furnishings visitors see today. In 1860, the 600-acre plantation was farmed by 39 slaves. After the Civil War, John increased his land to nearly 1,000 acres farmed by former slaves. As John aged, most workers left and the slave houses deteriorated and disappeared.
After John's death, his son, Dick Jarrell, gave up teaching to return to the farm, and in 1895, he built a small house for his family that grew to 12 children. Dick diversified the farm, adding a sawmill, cotton gin, gristmill, shingle mill, planer, sugar cane press, syrup evaporator, workshop, barn and outbuildings. In 1974, his descendants donated these buildings to establish Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site.
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Note: Jarrell Plantation Historic Site has no reservable facilities.
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Events
Labor Day Folklife Celebration
Monday, Sep 1, 2008 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
| Celebrate old-time labor such as spinning yarn, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, barnyard animal care and more. $2.50 - $4. 478-986-5172. |
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Syrup Making and Storytellin'
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 10 AM - 3:30 PM
| The traditional syrup cookoff was an important fall event on middle Georgia farms and featured family and community get togethers for work and play. This program brings the event back to life with demonstrations of the sugar cane mill, syrup kettle, steam engine, woodstove cooking and storytellin'. $2.50 - $4. 478-986-5172. |
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Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 10 AM - 2 PM
| Enjoy Civil War soldier-life presentations, walking tours and a commemoration program at the Battle site which is east of Macon (see map). Call for detailed directions. Griswoldville Battlefield 478-986-5172. |
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Plantation Christmas
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
| Take an afternoon stroll through two of the Jarrell family homes with traditional decoration and natural greenery. Stories, music and refreshments included. $2.50-$4 478-986-5172. |
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Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 2-5:30PM; Last tour begins at 4PM. Closed Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open Monday.
Admission: $2.50-$4
Group rates available with advance notice.
While visiting Jarrell Plantation, plan a trip to Griswoldville Battlefield. Click here to find out more.
Facilities:
Museum and Film
Plantation Buildings
Gift Shop
Picnic Area
Bus Parking
Nearby Attractions
Indian Springs State Park - camping
High Falls State Park - camping
Historic Macon, Ga.
Whistlestop Cafe, Juliette
Old Clinton Historic District
Antebellum Trail
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Juliette
Hitchiti Experimental Forest
Griswoldville Battlefield
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