Meadow Garden (Augusta, Georgia) facts for kids
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George Walton House
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Meadow Garden, 2017
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1320 Independence Drive, Augusta, Georgia, 30901 |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1794 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000646 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1981 |
Meadow Garden is a special old house in Augusta, Georgia, that you can visit today as a museum. It was once the home of George Walton, an important person in American history. He was one of the "Founding Fathers" and one of only three people from Georgia who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This document announced that the American colonies were becoming their own country, separate from Great Britain.
George Walton also served as the governor of Georgia and later as a United States senator. Meadow Garden was saved and turned into a museum in 1901 by a group called the Daughters of the American Revolution. Because of its importance, the house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1981. This means it's a place recognized by the U.S. government as having great historical value.
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Exploring Meadow Garden's History
Meadow Garden is located in downtown Augusta, right next to the Augusta Canal. It's a charming house made of wood, sitting on a tall brick foundation. The house was built in different stages, meaning it grew over time.
How the House Grew Over Time
The oldest part of Meadow Garden, the right side, was built in 1791. Later, after 1800, the left side was added, making the house larger. The front porch, with its slender columns, was also likely added later. This shows how homes changed and expanded as families needed more space.
George Walton's Life at Meadow Garden
Even though George Walton didn't own the property for his entire life, Meadow Garden was his home from 1791 until he passed away in 1804. He was a trained lawyer and played a big role in the early days of the United States.
Walton's Role in the American Revolution
George Walton was a member of the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1781. This was the group of leaders who guided the colonies during the American Revolution. He also served in the Georgia militia, which was a group of citizen soldiers. During the war, he was captured by the British in 1778 when they took over Savannah.
Walton's Leadership in Georgia
After being released, George Walton was quickly elected Governor of Georgia. He held this important job from November 1779 to January 1780. He also served as the state's Chief Justice, which is the head judge. Later, he had a second term as Governor from 1789 to 1790. He passed away in 1804 at his country home, College Hill.
Meadow Garden as a Museum Today
The Walton family no longer owned the house after 1812. Today, Meadow Garden is owned and cared for by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They operate it as a museum, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about George Walton and the early history of Georgia.
The house was officially recognized for its historical importance in 1976 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 1981, it received the even higher honor of being named a National Historic Landmark.
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