Rankin House (Columbus, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rankin House
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The house in 2025
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1440 Second Avenue Columbus, Georgia |
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| Built | 1867 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000393 |
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1972 |
The Rankin House is a special old home located in Columbus, Georgia. It's not just any house; it's a historic building that was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1972. Today, the first floor of the house is a museum. The upper floor is home to the Historic Columbus Foundation, which helps protect old buildings.
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History of the Rankin House
The Rankin House was built for a man named James Rankin. He was a planter, which means he owned a large farm. Mr. Rankin also owned a hotel called The Rankin Hotel. He moved to Columbus, Georgia, all the way from Ayrshire, Scotland.
Building the House
Construction of this beautiful home started before the American Civil War. However, the war caused a big delay. Work on the house had to stop for a while. It was finally finished in 1867, after the war ended.
What Makes the Rankin House Special?
The Rankin House is known for its amazing details and fancy features. When you visit, you can see many things that show how homes were built long ago.
Inside the House
The house has beautiful iron grillwork, which is like decorative metal designs. Inside, the floors are made of pine wood. You can also see lovely marble mantels above the fireplaces. A grand walnut double stairway connects the floors.
The museum rooms have special gaslight chandeliers. These lights were common before electricity. In the music room, there is a concert-quality rosewood piano. You can also see a picture of James Rankin, the first owner. The room also has a unique Rankin family petticoat table and a fancy gilt mirror. Another room, the south parlor, displays a piano forte.
Unique Features
The Rankin House also has a separate utility staircase. This staircase was used by servants who worked in the house. It was a very expensive home when it was built. Even the fence around the property is historic! It came from the Broadway townhouse of General Henry Lewis Benning. He was a Confederate war hero, and Fort Benning was named after him.
See also
