Octagon House (Columbus, Georgia) facts for kids
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Octagon House
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May's Folly
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 527 1st Ave., Columbus, Georgia |
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| Built | 1829 |
| Architectural style | Octagon Mode |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000049 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 29, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
The Octagon House, also called May's Folly, is a very old and special building in Columbus, Georgia. It's known for its unique eight-sided shape. Built around 1830, it was made even bigger in 1863. Local historians believe it might be the only "double-octagon" house in the entire country! Because of its importance, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. This means it's a place recognized by the United States government for its historical value.
Contents
What Makes the Octagon House Special?
May's Folly is located in the middle of Columbus, Georgia. It's a one-story house made of wood. The front part of the house has eight sides, like a stop sign. The back part is shaped like a rectangle.
Cool Architectural Details
The front section has an eight-sided roof. On top of the roof, there's a small tower called a cupola. The outside walls are covered with wooden boards. The main entrance has a fancy porch. This porch is built in a style called Gothic Revival.
Inside the front part, the rooms are laid out like a Greek cross. This means they spread out from a central point. The angled spaces are used for triangular closets and small entryways.
A House That Changed Shape
The back part of the house is actually the oldest section. It was built around 1830. Experts have studied the house closely. They found clues that this older section might have also been octagonal once. It was probably changed to a rectangle when the eight-sided front section was added.
Who Lived Here? A Look at Its History
The older part of the house was built around 1830. For many years, until 1852, it was home to Alfred Iverson, Sr.. He was a very important person. He served as a United States Senator. A Senator is a leader who helps make laws for the country.
From Cabinetmaker to Historic Landmark
In 1863, a cabinetmaker named Leander May bought the house. A cabinetmaker is someone who builds furniture. Many people believe Leander May was the one who built the main eight-sided part of the house.
May sold the house in 1865. After that, many different people owned it over the years. In 1967, a group called Historic Columbus bought it. This group works to save old buildings. Today, the Octagon House is owned by a private family. It remains an important part of Columbus's history.
