Old Governor's Mansion (Milledgeville, Georgia) facts for kids
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Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 120 S. Clark St., Milledgeville, Georgia |
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| Built | 1839 |
| Architect | Charles B. Cluskey |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000194 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 13, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is a special historic home in Milledgeville, Georgia. It sits on the campus of Georgia College & State University (GCSU). This beautiful building was finished in 1839.
It is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, a popular style from the 1800s. Because of its amazing design, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. From 1839 to 1868, this mansion was the official home for Georgia's governors.
Later, starting in 1889, it became part of the university. For a while, it was even the home of the university president. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its history. It is also connected with the Smithsonian Institution, a famous group of museums.
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About the Mansion's History
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is in the middle of Milledgeville. It is near the main campus of Georgia College. The mansion is surrounded by a neat lawn and a low white fence.
The main house is a large, two-story building. It is made of brick covered with stucco. The roof is flat on top with a small round tower called a cupola. The front of the house faces west. It has a grand porch with four tall columns. These columns are in the Ionic style, which is a type of Greek design.
Building and Early Years
The mansion was built in 1839. It was designed by Charles B. Cluskey, a famous architect. Many people think this is one of his best works. This mansion was the first of Georgia's official homes for its governors.
Eight different governors and their families lived here. They lived in the mansion from 1839 until 1868. Governor Joseph E. Brown lived here during the American Civil War. He led Georgia through this tough time.
During the Civil War, the mansion was taken over by Union soldiers. General William Tecumseh Sherman used it as his headquarters. He stayed there on November 23, 1864, during his "March to the Sea."
After the Civil War
After the state capital moved, the mansion was used as a boarding house for a while. Then, from 1868 to 1879, the state loaned it to a new school. This school later became Georgia College.
The mansion was the first dormitory for the students. The university president lived on the second floor. In 1967, the school started offering tours of the first floor.
Restoration and Museum Today
In the early 2000s, the college spent $9.5 million to restore the building. They made it look like it did around 1851. Now, it is a historic house museum.
The museum teaches visitors about the building's history. It also shares stories of the people who lived there. This includes both free and enslaved people. The museum's goal is to show what life was like in Georgia before the Civil War.
You can visit Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion almost every day. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Sundays, it is open from 2 PM to 4 PM. Tours start at the top of every hour, with the last tour at 4 PM.
See also
- Atkinson Hall, Georgia College
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Baldwin County, Georgia
