Gordon-Lee Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Gordon-Lee House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
|
|
| Location | 217 Cove Rd., Chickamauga, Georgia |
|---|---|
| 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 house located in Chickamauga, Georgia. It was built a long time ago, starting in 1840 and finishing in 1847. This beautiful mansion is famous for its role during the American Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Gordon-Lee House. This means it's a very important historical site in the United States.
The mansion is part of the Chickamauga Historic District. The property includes the main house and other old buildings. These include a slave house and a smokehouse. The entire property covers about 13 acres. The house was built by enslaved people, and the bricks were made right there on the property.
Just before the big Battle of Chickamauga, the Union army used the house. General Rosecrans made it his headquarters. During the battle, it became a hospital for wounded soldiers. The Gordon-Lee Mansion is the only building from the Battle of Chickamauga that is still standing today. The city of Chickamauga now owns the house. It is a national historic site. Today, the Gordon-Lee Mansion is a popular place for weddings. You can also take tours there during spring and summer.
Contents
A Glimpse into the Past
Building a Dream Home
The land where the mansion stands was bought by James Gordon. This happened in 1836, after the Cherokee people moved from the area. Mr. Gordon was already successful. He had built the Gordon Mill, which was the first general store in Walker County, Georgia. Because his mill was doing so well, James Gordon wanted to build a large, lasting home for his family.
Construction on the mansion started in 1840. However, it took a long time to finish. There were problems finding enough workers and money. Because of these issues, the house was not fully completed until 1847.
The Civil War and the Mansion
The Gordon-Lee Mansion played a big part in the American Civil War. In September 1863, just before the Battle of Chickamauga, it became important. The Union army used the house as their main office. General William S. Rosecrans, a Union leader, set up his headquarters there.
During and after the fierce battle, the mansion became a hospital. Many soldiers were treated there. Wagons were placed under the windows. This was so that injured body parts from operations could be removed more easily. The floors became very stained from the wounded soldiers. Mats were put down to cover these marks. Many soldiers wrote their final messages on the walls. The women of the Gordon family carefully copied these words. They tried to send them to the families of the soldiers who had died.
New Owners and Changes
After the war, James Lee bought the house. He later married Elizabeth Gordon, connecting him to the original family. After James and Elizabeth passed away, their son, Gordon Lee, bought the house.
In the early 1900s, Mr. Gordon Lee made big changes to the mansion. He remodeled the house. He changed the double front porch into a single, grand porch with tall pillars. This is how the house looks today.
The mansion stayed in the Gordon family for a very long time, 107 years! In 1974, it was sold to Dr. Green. After Dr. Green bought it, the house and its land were restored. It now looks very much like it did over a century ago.
