Glen Mary Plantation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glen Mary
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | Sparta, Georgia, US |
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| Built | 1848 |
| Architect | Theophilus Jackson Smith |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000687 |
| Added to NRHP | May 8, 1974 |
Glen Mary is a historic house located in Hancock County, Georgia, close to the town of Sparta. This special home was added to the Georgia Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1974. As of 2013, a group called Preservation America owns Glen Mary.
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The Story of Glen Mary
Theophilus Jackson Smith built Glen Mary in 1848. He built it for his wife, Mary Gonder. The house sits on a large piece of land, about 2,400 acres (970 hectares) originally. The name "Glen Mary" comes from Scottish words meaning "Mary's Valley."
What Kind of House Is It?
Glen Mary is a two-story house built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s. It often includes tall columns and grand entrances, like ancient Greek temples.
Who Was Theophilus Jackson Smith?
Theophilus Jackson Smith was an important person in his community. He helped start the Planters' Club of Hancock County. This was a group of farmers who worked together to improve farming methods. Smith also served in the Georgia legislature, which is like the state's government. During the American Civil War, he was part of the Fifteenth Georgia Regiment.
Who Lived There Next?
In 1859, Smith decided to sell Glen Mary. He moved to Washington County. Later, in 1869, General Ethan A. Hitchcock and his wife Martha Rind Nicholls Hitchcock bought the house. They bought Glen Mary and about 542 acres (220 hectares) of land. General Hitchcock passed away at Glen Mary in 1870.
Why Glen Mary Is Important
Glen Mary has received special recognition for its beauty and history. It is considered a very important historic site.
A Threatened Landscape
In 2002–03, Scenic America added Glen Mary to its "Last Chance Landscapes" list. This list names the top ten most threatened scenic places in the United States. Meg McGuire, who used to lead Scenic America, explained why Glen Mary was on the list. She said it was in danger of being harmed by logging. This means the trees around the house could be cut down. She also said it's important to save not just the house, but also the natural setting around it.
A National Treasure
Glen Mary was also named a "National Treasure" by Save America's Treasures. This was a special project by the White House Millennium Council. Its goal was to help save important cultural items and places in America.
Experts Who Helped
Many experts have helped with projects at Glen Mary.
- Historian William Seale worked on the project. He wrote a famous book about the White House.
- Architect Charles A. Phillips also helped. He was the main architect for restoring the Miles Brewton House in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Ian Firth, a professor from the University of Georgia College of Environment & Design, is the expert for the landscape and gardens at Glen Mary.
