Bellevue (LaGrange, Georgia) facts for kids
Bellevue
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Bellevue in 2012
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Location | LaGrange, Georgia |
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Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
Built | 1853 |
Architect | Taylor, M. |
Architectural style | Greek Revival |
Part of | Broad Street Historic District (ID84001264) |
NRHP reference No. | 72000400 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | November 7, 1972 |
Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
Designated CP | January 12, 1984 |
Bellevue is a beautiful old mansion in LaGrange, Georgia, United States. It was built between 1853 and 1855. This grand house was once the home of Senator Benjamin Harvey Hill. It's famous for being one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in Georgia. Today, Bellevue is a historic house museum. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
Exploring Bellevue's Classic Style
Bellevue is in the center of LaGrange. It sits on a special oval piece of land at the north end of Ben Hill Street. The house is a two-story building made of wood. It has a grand front that looks like an ancient Greek temple. This front has six tall, fluted columns. These columns are called Ionic columns.
Above the columns, there's a heavy, multi-level design. It has a fancy, tooth-like pattern called a dentillated cornice. In the middle of this grand front, there's a second-floor balcony. It has a pretty railing with turned posts. The main entrance is set back a bit. It has pillars on each side and a decorative top. The house also has parts that extend out, connecting it to what used to be a separate kitchen building.
Who Lived at Bellevue?
Bellevue was originally part of a very large farm, about 1200 acres. It was built in 1853 by Benjamin Harvey Hill. He was a very important politician in Georgia. He lived during the time before the American Civil War and during the war itself. The person who designed the house is only known by his last name, Taylor. Bellevue is considered one of Georgia's best examples of Greek Revival architecture from before the Civil War.
Benjamin Harvey Hill (1823–1882) was known as a great speaker and politician. He didn't want Georgia to leave the United States before the Civil War. But when Georgia did leave, he served in the Senate for the Confederate States of America. After the war, he was against the laws passed during the Reconstruction Era.
Bellevue Today
Today, the Bellevue house is owned by the LaGrange Women's Club. They offer tours of the house so people can visit and learn about its history. You can also rent the house for special events.