Robert Toombs House State Historic Site facts for kids
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Robert Toombs House
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 216 E. Robert Toombs Ave., Washington, Georgia |
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| Built | 1797 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000410 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
The Robert Toombs House State Historic Site is an important historical place in Washington, Georgia. This house was the home of Robert Toombs (1810–1885). He was a very influential person in the United States. Before the American Civil War, he was a U.S. representative and a U.S. senator. During the war, he became a general for the Confederate side and even served as their Secretary of State.
Today, the house is a historic house museum. It shows what life was like in the 1800s. You can also learn about Robert Toombs's life there. In 1973, this house was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a really special place in American history.
Contents
Exploring the Robert Toombs House
The Robert Toombs House is on the east side of Washington, Georgia. It's a two-story building made of wood. The front of the house has a grand porch with tall, fluted columns. These columns are in the Doric style, which is a classic Greek design.
What You'll See Inside
The main entrance of the house has windows on the sides. There is also a window above the door. Inside, the house looks just like it did in the mid-1800s. This is when Robert Toombs lived there. You can even see his private library. Imagine all the books he must have read!
The House's Long History
The house was built a long time ago, between 1794 and 1801. A doctor named Joel Abbott built it. Robert Toombs bought the house in 1837. He made some changes to it. He added the big columns on the front. He also added a new section on the west side of the house.
Who Was Robert Toombs?
Robert Toombs was a powerful speaker from the American South. He lived before the Civil War. He believed that slavery should be allowed to spread into new parts of the country. However, he also did not want the country to split apart. He strongly supported the Compromise of 1850. This was an agreement that tried to solve problems between the North and South.
Toombs During the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, Robert Toombs joined the Confederate States of America. He became their Secretary of State. But he didn't agree with President Jefferson Davis on everything. So, he left his job and joined the Confederate States Army.
After the war ended, Toombs left the country for a while. He later came back to the United States. He became a very successful lawyer again.
Images for kids
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Bedroom
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Bedroom
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Law Office / Library
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Ladies Parlor
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Dining Room
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"Ophelia" Painting
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Staircase
