Bulloch Hall facts for kids
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Bulloch Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Bulloch Hall is where Theodore Roosevelt's parents were married, in December 1853.
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| Location | 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell, Georgia |
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| Built | 1839 |
| Built by | Willis Ball |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Roswell Historic District (ID74000682) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000276 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1971 |
| Designated CP | May 2, 1974 |
Bulloch Hall is a beautiful old house, also called a mansion, in Roswell, Georgia. It was built in 1839. This historic home is very important to the city. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bulloch Hall is famous because Martha Bulloch Roosevelt lived here as a child. She was known as "Mittie." Mittie later became the mother of Theodore Roosevelt, who was the 26th President of the United States. Mittie also married Theodore Roosevelt's father, Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., right here in this house.
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Building Bulloch Hall
Bulloch Hall was built by Mittie's father, Major James Stephens Bulloch. He was a well-known farmer from the Georgia coast. His friend, Roswell King, invited him to settle in the new town of Roswell.
Major Bulloch chose a large piece of land, about ten acres. He hired a skilled builder named Willis Ball. Ball designed and built the elegant Greek Revival style home. The Bulloch family lived in an old farmhouse while the new house was being built. In 1839, Major Bulloch and his family moved into their completed home.
Major Bulloch also owned land for growing cotton. Enslaved African-Americans were forced to work in his fields. Some also worked inside the house. They cooked, cleaned, and cared for the family. Records from 1850 show that Mittie's mother, Martha Stewart Elliott Bulloch, owned 31 enslaved people. Some of the enslaved people known to have worked in the house were "Maum" Rose (cook), "Maum" Charlotte (housekeeper), and "Maum" Grace (nursemaid).
Mittie's Life and Wedding
Mittie, whose full name was Martha Bulloch, was born in 1835. She grew up at Bulloch Hall.
When Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. was 19, he visited Roswell, Georgia. He was with his friend Hilborne West. Hilborne was going to marry Mittie's older half-sister, Susan Elliott. Mittie was 15 at the time.
"Thee," as Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. was called, met Mittie again in 1853. Mittie was visiting her sister Susan in Philadelphia. They fell in love and planned their wedding through letters. Mittie was in Roswell, and Thee was in New York.
They were married in the dining room of Bulloch Hall on December 22, 1853. It was a big celebration. People traveled from far away and stayed for a week. Mittie's friend, Mrs. William Baker, later shared memories of the wedding. She spoke to Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind.
After their wedding, Mittie and Thee moved to New York City. They lived with Thee's parents while their own house was being built. This house was a wedding gift from Thee's parents. The Roosevelt couple had four children:
- Anna
- Theodore Roosevelt, who became the 26th President of the United States
- Elliott
- Corinne
Later, Elliott Roosevelt married Anna Rebecca Hall. Their daughter was Eleanor Roosevelt, who became a First Lady of the United States.
President Roosevelt's Visit
Theodore Roosevelt visited Bulloch Hall for the first time in 1905. He was touring the South as president. He arrived in Roswell, Georgia, with his wife Edith on October 20, 1905.
While at Bulloch Hall, President Roosevelt gave a speech. He spoke about his family's history. He said that his mother's family was from the South. He mentioned that two of his mother's brothers fought for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. One of his uncles, Irvine Bulloch, was an officer on the Alabama ship. He even fired the last two shots from the Alabama before it sank.
President Roosevelt said he was proud of all Americans. He believed that people who fought on either side, whether they wore grey or blue, showed courage and devotion to their duty.
Eleanor Roosevelt also visited Roswell and Bulloch Hall many times. Her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, visited the house too, but he stayed in his car.
More About Bulloch Hall
Bulloch Hall is important enough to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places by itself. It is also part of the larger Roswell Historic District.
Bulloch Hall in Stories
- The house is mentioned in a book called The Legend of Teddy Bear Bob by Edward Summer.
- In 1974, parts of the movie Cockfighter were filmed at Bulloch Hall. The movie starred Warren Oates.
Images for kids
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Bulloch Hall in 1988
