Cannonball House (Macon, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Cannonball House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 856 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000249 |
| Added to NRHP | 1971 |
The Cannonball House is a famous historic home in Macon, Georgia, United States. It is built in the beautiful Greek Revival style. You can find it at 856 Mulberry Street. This house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house got its unique name because of a real cannonball! On July 30, 1864, during the American Civil War, a cannonball from the Union Army hit the house. Today, a bronze cannon from 1864 sits in the front yard.
The Cannonball House was built in 1853 for Judge Asa Holt. It was his fancy townhouse. Sometimes people call it the "Home of Judge Asa Holt" or the "Mansion of the Old South."
Inside, the house looks just like it did between 1853 and 1870. It even has special items from Wesleyan College, which was the world's first college for women.
Behind the main house, there's a two-story brick kitchen. It was built by hand! The upper floor of this building was for the servants. Not many buildings like this are still standing in the Southern United States today.
Contents
Why is the Cannonball House Famous?
The Cannonball Strike
The Cannonball House was hit by a cannonball during the American Civil War. This happened on July 30, 1864. The U.S. Army, led by General George Stoneman, fired the cannon. It was shot from what is now the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, across the Ocmulgee River.
The iron cannonball first hit the sand sidewalk. Then it bounced and struck a column on the front of the house. It went through a room called the parlor. Finally, it stopped in the hallway inside the house. Amazingly, no one was hurt or died! The Cannonball House was the only home in Macon that was damaged during this time.
Saving the Historic House
Judge Asa Holt and his family lived in the Cannonball House during the Civil War. His family owned the house until 1962. At one point, the city of Macon wanted to tear it down to make a parking lot.
But a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy stepped in. They bought the house from the last family member, Miss Elizabeth Martin. They even made an apartment for her upstairs. Miss Martin became the very first tour guide for the Cannonball House!
What Can You See at the Cannonball House Today?
Today, the Cannonball House is a historic house museum. A non-profit group called "The Friends of the Cannonball House" owns and runs it. They want to share Macon's amazing history and architecture.
The museum shows items from the time before the Civil War (the Antebellum South) and after (the reconstruction era). Their goal is to teach people about Georgia's heritage. They do this through fun and inspiring programs, exhibits, and events.
When you visit, you can take a tour of the house. You can also see a collection of Civil War items. The museum offers historical and educational programs. You can walk through the garden and visit the gift shop too.
Special Collections at the Museum
The Cannonball House has many important historical items. These collections include pieces from early women's societies, the Civil War, and everyday life. There's also a special section about the servants' quarters.
Adelphean Collection
The Adelphean Society was the very first national college society for women. Today, it's known as Alpha Delta Pi. In the parlor of the house, you can see some of the society's original furniture. There are also window decorations and a beautiful marble fireplace mantel.
Philomathean Collection
The Philomathean Collection is also at the house. This group is now known as Phi Mu. This collection includes window decorations, some furniture, and another marble fireplace mantel.
Civil War Collection
The Civil War museum inside the house displays uniforms worn by Georgian officers. You can also see weapons they used. One uniform is a jacket called the Richmond Depot Type II. The collection also has company flags, like the Jackson Artillery Flag.
General Museum Collection
This collection features old fabrics and clothing from the past. You can see handmade quilts from 1850 to 1920. There are also wedding dresses, everyday dresses, and children's clothes from the 1800s. These items are very old and delicate, so they are rotated in and out of display.
Servant's Quarters Collection
The Servant's Quarters collection shows what life was like for the people who worked in the house. It has two beds, old trunks, and spinning wheels. You can also see three tables and tea sets. Other items include a wardrobe, chairs, a weasel (a tool for winding yarn), a pie safe (for storing food), a grain bin, and a bathtub.
