Cannonball House (Macon, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cannonball House
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 856 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia |
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| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000249 |
| Added to NRHP | 1971 |
The Cannonball House is a famous old house in Macon, Georgia. It was built in 1853 and has a special style called Greek Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. The house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It got its unique name because a real cannonball hit it! This happened on July 30, 1864, during the American Civil War. Soldiers from the Union Army fired the cannonball. Today, a bronze cannon sits in the front yard. It was made in Macon in 1864.
The Cannonball House was first built for a judge named Asa Holt. It is also known as the Home of Judge Asa Holt. The house is decorated with furniture and items from the years 1853 to 1870. It even has things from Wesleyan College, which was the world's first college for women.
Behind the main house, there's a special two-story brick kitchen. It was built by hand! The upper part of this building was where servants lived. Not many buildings like this are still around in the Southern United States today.
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Why is the Cannonball House Famous?
The Cannonball Strike
On July 30, 1864, during the American Civil War, a battle happened nearby. It was called the Battle of Dunlap's Hill. Soldiers from the U.S. Army, led by General George Stoneman, fired a cannon. The cannon was shot from across the Ocmulgee River.
The iron cannonball first hit the sidewalk. Then it bounced and struck a column on the front of the house. It went through a room and finally stopped in the hallway inside. Luckily, no one was hurt! The Cannonball House was the only home in Macon that was hit during this battle.
Who Lived in the 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 for a parking lot. But a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy bought it. They saved the house!
The last family member living there, Miss Elizabeth Martin, was given an apartment upstairs. She even became the first tour guide for the Cannonball House.
What is the Cannonball House Today?
Today, the Cannonball House is a historic house museum. A non-profit group called The Friends of the Cannonball House takes care of it. They want to share Macon's history and architecture.
Visitors can explore the house and see many old items. These items are from the time before the Civil War (the Antebellum South) and after it (the reconstruction era). You can see Civil War artifacts, join history programs, walk in the garden, and visit the gift shop.
What Can You See Inside?
The house has several important collections of historical items. These include items related to early women's college societies, the Civil War, and everyday life from the past.
Early Women's College Societies
- Adelphean Collection: The Adelphean Society was the first national college group for women. It is now called Alpha Delta Pi. The house has some of their original furniture and decorations.
- Philomathean Collection: This collection is from the Philomathean Society, now known as Phi Mu. It also includes old furniture and decorations.
Civil War Collection
The Civil War museum inside the house shows uniforms and weapons used by Georgian officers. You can see uniforms like the Richmond Depot Type II jacket. There are also company flags, such as the Jackson Artillery Flag.
General Museum Collection
This collection features old clothes and fabrics. You might see handmade quilts from the 1850s to the 1920s. There are also 19th-century wedding dresses, everyday dresses, and children's clothing. These items are rotated because they are very old and delicate.
Servant's Quarters Collection
The Servant's Quarters building has items that show what life was like for servants. You can see beds, trunks, and spinning wheels. There are also tables, tea sets, a wardrobe, chairs, and even an old bathtub.
