Gordon-Lee Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gordon-Lee House
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | 217 Cove Rd., Chickamauga, Georgia |
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| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | c.1840, 1900 |
| Built by | Gordon, James; Alsup, H. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000654 |
| Added to NRHP | March 22, 1976 |
The Gordon-Lee Mansion is a historic home located in Chickamauga, Georgia. It was first known as the Gordon residence. Building the house started in 1840 but took until 1847 to finish. This was because of challenges with workers and money.
The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Gordon-Lee House. It is also sometimes called the Gordon-Lee-Green House. It is a special historic site on its own. It is also part of the larger Chickamauga Historic District. The property includes the main house and other old buildings. These include a house for enslaved people and a smokehouse. The entire property covers about 13 acres.
The house was built by people who were forced to work. The bricks used for the house were made right there on the property.
Just before the Battle of Chickamauga, the Union army used the home. General Rosecrans made it his headquarters. During the battle, it became a hospital for soldiers. The mansion is the only building still standing from the Battle of Chickamauga. Today, the city of Chickamauga owns the home. It is a national historic site. The Gordon-Lee Mansion is now a popular place for weddings. You can also take tours there in the spring and summer.
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History of the Gordon-Lee Mansion
How the Mansion Was Built
The land for the mansion was bought by James Gordon. This happened after the Cherokee people were moved from the area in 1836. Mr. James Gordon had already built the Gordon Mill. This mill was the first general store in Walker County, Georgia. Because the mill was so successful, Mr. Gordon wanted to build a grand home.
Construction on the mansion began in 1840. However, it faced problems with workers and money. Because of these issues, the house was not fully finished until 1847.
The Mansion During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the Gordon-Lee Mansion played a big role. It was used by the Union army as its headquarters. General William S. Rosecrans stayed there. This was just before the important Battle of Chickamauga. The battle took place from September 18 to 20, 1863.
During and after the battle, the mansion became a hospital. Many injured soldiers were brought there for care. The conditions were very difficult. The women of the Gordon family helped care for the soldiers. They also copied messages that soldiers wrote on the walls. They tried to send these last words to the soldiers' families.
The Lee Family Takes Over
Later, James Lee bought the house from the Gordon family. He married Elizabeth Gordon, connecting him to the family. After James and Elizabeth passed away, their son, Gordon Lee, bought the house.
Mr. Gordon Lee made big changes to the house in the early 1900s. He remodeled it completely. He changed the double front porch into a single porch with tall pillars. This is how the house looks today.
Recent History and Restoration
The mansion stayed with the Gordon family for 107 years. In 1974, it was sold to Dr. Green. After Dr. Green bought it, the house and its grounds were restored. It now looks very much like it did over a century ago.
