Georgia is well known for its historical past. In Athens, Ga. you are able to visit several different historic house museums that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There you can do a self-guided walking tour which many people prefer to do because you can take your time and read the plaques and view everything without being rushed.
You will start at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House. Alonzo Church professor and subsequent president of the University of Georgia, moved to the Athens area in 1819. At that time Church initiated construction on the home but never resided in it. He was persuaded to exchange houses with Dr. Waddel who occupied the home during his nine year presidency of the University. In 1934 the home was purchased by Sarah Harris. Eventually the home was inherited to Mary and Anne Brumby who were Sarah Harris great-granddaughters. After their death in 1960, the home was saved and moved to Dougherty Street in 1967.
In 1971 the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation restored the house and today is used as the welcoming center and house museum.
The T.R.R. Cobb house museum resided in Stone Mountain for almost twenty years. This home was moved back to its original location in Athens, Ga. It is being restored back to its original 1850s appearance.
Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb left a remarkable impression on Athens history. He is well known as being the greatest lawyer, an advocate for education and religion and state rights and he was an officer in the Confederate army.
The T.R.R. Cobb House was operated by the Watson - Brown Foundation and opened in 2007. This house museum is a representation of understanding and appreciating life in the nineteenth century southern lifestyle.
The Taylor Grady House was purchased by Major William S. Grady in 1863. Henry Grady Major William Grady's son, lived in the home from 1865 until he graduated from the university in 1868. Henry became a national success over night, stressing in his speeches and writings; the need for reconciliation and economic development. He died at the age of 39 of pneumonia in Atlanta, Ga.
The home changed hands many times and ended up staying vacant for thirteen years. In 1966 the home was purchased by the city of Athens and Junior League of Athens coordinated its first restoration. The home was closed for a year after having $1.70 million worth of renovations done. The Taylor Grady home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
When you start out at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House is also known as the welcoming center, you will be able to gather together several brochures that explain each tour and the price for the guided tours. The welcoming center is open Monday through Saturday, 10-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
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