Bellevue (LaGrange, Georgia) facts for kids
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Bellevue
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Bellevue in 2012
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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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 located at 204 Ben Hill Street in LaGrange, Georgia, United States. This historic house was built between 1853 and 1855. It was the home of Senator Benjamin Harvey Hill, a very important person in Georgia's history. Bellevue is known as one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the state. Today, it is a historic house museum where visitors can learn about the past. In 1973, Bellevue was named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very special place in American history. It is also part of the Broad Street Historic District.
What is Bellevue Like?
Bellevue is in the middle of LaGrange. It sits on a round piece of land at the top of Ben Hill Street. The house is a two-story building made of wood. It has a grand front entrance that looks like an ancient Greek temple. This front part has six tall, fluted columns. These columns have special tops called Ionic capitals. Above the columns, there is a heavy, layered design with small tooth-like blocks.
Inside this grand front, there is a balcony on the second floor. It has a pretty railing with turned wooden posts. The main entrance door is set back a bit. It has flat columns 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.
The Story of Bellevue
Bellevue was built in 1853 by Benjamin Harvey Hill. At that time, it was part of a very large farm estate, covering about 1,200 acres. Benjamin Harvey Hill (1823–1882) was one of Georgia's most important politicians before and during the American Civil War. The person who designed the house is only known by his last name, Taylor. Bellevue is considered one of Georgia's finest examples of Greek Revival architecture from before the Civil War.
Mr. Hill was a well-known speaker and politician. He did not want Georgia to leave the United States before the Civil War began. However, when Georgia did separate, he served in the Senate for the Confederacy. After the war, he was against some of the laws passed during the Reconstruction Era. Today, the LaGrange Women's Club owns Bellevue. They offer tours of the house, so people can visit and learn about its history. You can also rent the house for special events.
See Also
