Hardman Farm State Historic Site facts for kids

Hardman Farm State Historic Site is a cool place to visit near Helen, Georgia. It's a special historic site in Georgia that shows what farm life was like long ago. The main building is a beautiful mansion built in 1870. It also has an ancient Native American burial mound with a unique gazebo on top.

Besides the big house, you can explore other old buildings. These include a kitchen, a horse barn, a dairy barn where cows were milked, and a spring house. It's a great spot to learn about history and see how people lived in the past!

History of Hardman Farm

Hardman Farm has a rich history, changing hands between different important families. Each owner added their own touch to this special property.

Building the Farmhouse

The main house at Hardman Farm was built in 1870 by a man named Captain James Nichols. He was the original owner and made the farm his home. Later, in 1890, Captain Nichols also built the gazebo that sits on top of the ancient Nacoochee Mound.

Captain Nichols had a daughter named Anna Ruby Nichols. She was so special that a beautiful waterfall in the area, Anna Ruby Falls, was named after her!

New Owners and Changes

In 1893, a businessman from Atlanta named Calvin Hunnicutt bought the farm. He continued to care for the property and its buildings.

Later, in 1903, the farm was purchased by Lamartine Griffin Hardman. He was an important person in Georgia's history. The property stayed in the Hardman family for many years. They took great care of it and preserved its history.

Becoming a Historic Site

The Hardman family eventually decided to share this amazing place with everyone. In 1999, they donated the entire property to the state of Georgia. This made it a State Historic Site. Now, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources helps manage and protect it. This means people like you can visit and learn about its past!

What to See at Hardman Farm

When you visit Hardman Farm, there are many interesting things to explore. It's a chance to step back in time and imagine life on a 19th-century farm.

The Nacoochee Mound

One of the most unique features is the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound. This mound is very old and was built by Native Americans long before the farm existed. It's a significant historical site. The gazebo built by Captain Nichols on top makes it even more distinctive.

Exploring the Grounds

You can also walk along the Nature Trail. This trail lets you see the beautiful natural surroundings of the farm. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and imagine what the landscape looked like centuries ago.

Visitor Center and Tours

When you arrive, you'll likely start at the Visitor Center. Here, you can learn more about the farm's history and get ready for your visit. One of the best ways to experience the farm is by taking a guided mansion tour. A guide will lead you through the historic house, sharing stories and facts about the people who lived there and the way they lived.