As cosmopolitan and modern as Atlanta, Georgia, seems to get, the world-class city would be muted if it did nothing to showcase its captivating historic homes. Properties that housed Atlanta's pioneers and Civil War heroes remain standing as a testaments of their owners and guests. But it's the houses of the subversively opulent plantation era that hang back, in various states of disrepair, to pass on some of the most important lessons in American history.
Swan House is one of the most regal pieces of real estate in Atlanta that dates back to the days of the cotton trade. The estate was built in 1928 for the Edward H. Inman family, powerful heirs of a cotton brokerage business. Today, it remains beautifully restored to allow tours of the breakfast room, library, living room, dining room, kitchen, butler's pantry, Mrs. Inman's bedroom and bathroom, the nursery, guest bedroom and Mr. Inman's bedroom.
The Tullie Smith House (also called the Smith Farm) was built in 1840 to house the family of Robert Smith. Typical of early Atlanta plantation homes, the 800-acre property included about 200 acres of cultivated land, an open-hearth kitchen, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, pioneer log cabin, a barn, and some vegetable, herb and flower gardens.
The property narrowly survived complete destruction in 1865 but was restored in 1875 to retain its value as a historical property and educational venue. Today, the house is owned and operated by the Atlanta History Center.
The Judge William Wilson House was built as a Greek Revival building that was built during the years 1856-1859. Judge William Wilson first acquired the 1,200-acre property in 1839, and well before the house was completed, the land had been turned into the largest plantation in Atlanta. Although there are remnants of some original features, such as the Greek Revival floor plan, a porch and moldings, the building is overall in a state of disrepair, not able to be restored.
Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With the Wind," wrote her spellbinding tale in apartment No. 1 of this historic Atlanta estate. The house is a restored example of an American, turn-of-the-century Tudor Revival house. Margaret's book became the most popular piece of literature written about the American South during the era of plantations. Although Crescent Apartments never functioned as a plantation, the Atlantic History Center includes it in its list of historic plantation-era homes.
