TwoW-GT https://www.gwtw.org/ Blog about Georgia attractions and house museums Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:31:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 https://www.gwtw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-difference-engine-no-5057539_640-32x32.png TwoW-GT https://www.gwtw.org/ 32 32 Exploring the GPO Museum in Dublin https://www.gwtw.org/exploring-the-gpo-museum-in-dublin/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:31:05 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=150 Welcome to a comprehensive journey through the General Post Office (GPO) Museum in Dublin, akin Exploring the GPO Museum in Dublin

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Welcome to a comprehensive journey through the General Post Office (GPO) Museum in Dublin, akin to the thrilling experience of navigating the aviator game, where history and heroism intertwine. This monumental neo-classical edifice not only encapsulates Ireland’s vibrant history but also invites us to explore the pivotal moments of the 1916 Easter Rising. As we delve into the narratives that shaped this iconic building, we uncover why the GPO Museum ranks as a premier destination among Dublin’s esteemed collection of museums, offering a unique window into Ireland’s storied past.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the northern banks of Dublin, just a short walk from O’Connell Bridge, the GPO Museum is easily accessible from various city landmarks, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Molly Malone Statue. This prime location makes it a convenient stop on your Dublin journey.

Operating Hours and Admission

The GPO Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Saturday, operating between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm. During July, August, and September, the GPO 1916 tour runs on Tuesdays at standard times. Keep an eye on the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Ticket prices for the GPO Museum vary, with options for adults, children, and seniors. Additionally, there’s a family ticket available for those looking to make it a memorable outing for everyone.

A Brief History of the GPO

The GPO’s history is deeply intertwined with Dublin’s own. Its construction began in 1814 and was completed in 1818, boasting an impressive neo-classical design with Ionic columns and statues inspired by both Greek mythology and Irish culture. Inside, a sculpture by Oliver Sheppard depicting the death of Cú Chulainn, a legendary Irish hero, adds to its artistic significance.

The GPO gained its prominent place in modern history during the 1916 Easter Rising. It served as the headquarters for Irish leaders, and it was here that Patrick Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Though the building’s interior was destroyed during the rebellion, the granite façade remained. In 1929, the interior was rebuilt, and a copy of the proclamation is displayed within the museum.

Today, the GPO Museum stands as a powerful symbol of Irish nationalism and independence, continuing to inspire visitors from around the world.

The GPO 1916 Museum Experience

A visit to the GPO 1916 Museum promises an immersive and educational journey through time. The upper floor of the General Post Office serves as the starting point, where you’ll be surrounded by natural light streaming through beautiful windows. As you descend to the lower levels, the atmosphere transforms, transporting you to the heart of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Interactive displays and realistic sound effects create an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. You can explore the museum at your own pace, reading informative plaques, watching videos, and gaining a deep understanding of the events that shaped Ireland’s history.

Nearby Attractions

The GPO Museum’s central location places it near several other notable Dublin attractions:

  1. The Spire (1-minute walk): This stainless steel monument, known as the Monument of Light, stands 120 meters tall and glistens in the Dublin skyline. Its elegant design captures the changing light throughout the day.
  2. The O’Connell Monument (3-minute walk): Featuring the imposing figure of Daniel O’Connell, this statue acknowledges his pivotal role in Irish history as an abolitionist and advocate for tenant farmers.
  3. The Ha’penny Bridge (5-minute walk): Also known as the ‘Liffey Bridge,’ this pedestrian bridge made of cast iron has been an iconic Dublin landmark since its construction in 1816.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the GPO tour? A: Plan for at least 45 minutes to fully explore the GPO 1916 Museum. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can take your time and soak in the history.

Q: Is the museum in the GPO in Dublin worth visiting? A: Absolutely! The GPO 1916 exhibition offers an immersive experience that vividly tells the story of this historic period through interactive displays.

Q: How much is it to visit the GPO visitor centre? A: Ticket prices for the GPO Museum vary, with options for adults, children, seniors, and families. Be sure to check the latest pricing on the official website.

Conclusion

The GPO Museum in Dublin is more than just a historical site; it’s a gateway to Ireland’s past and a tribute to the resilience of its people. With its prime location, engaging exhibits, and nearby attractions, a visit to the GPO Museum promises an enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Irish history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this fascinating journey through time.

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Gone with the Wind: Visiting the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta https://www.gwtw.org/gone-with-the-wind-visiting-the-margaret-mitchell-house-in-atlanta/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:57:53 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=137 In thе heart of Atlanta, Geоrgia, thеrе’s a place where literary history аnd Sоuthеrn charm Gone with the Wind: Visiting the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta

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In thе heart of Atlanta, Geоrgia, thеrе’s a place where literary history аnd Sоuthеrn charm convеrgе. The Mаrgаret Mitchell Hоuse, also known аs thе “Mаrgаret Mitchell Hоuse аnd Museum,” stаnds аs a testament to thе еnduring legаcy of one of thе most bеlovеd novels аnd films in American history, “Gone with thе Wind.” This histоric house not only рreserves thе memоry of its famous author but also offers visitors a caрtivating jоurney thrоugh thе wоrld of Scarlеtt O’Hаrа, Rhett Вutler, аnd thе Civil Wаr-erа Sоuth. In this article, we’ll explоre thе Mаrgаret Mitchell Hоuse аnd Museum аnd dеlvе into thе fаscinating history behind this iconic literary lаndmark.

A Literary Masterpiece Takes Shape

Before we step into the Margaret Mitchell House, it’s essential to understand the significance of Margaret Mitchell’s novel, “Gone with the Wind.” Published in 1936, the book became an instant sensation and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction the following year. The epic tale of love, loss, and survival set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era South struck a chord with readers worldwide.

The novel’s success paved the way for one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. In 1939, the film adaptation of “Gone with the Wind” hit the silver screen, starring Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. The movie not only achieved critical acclaim but also became the highest-grossing film of its time.

Margaret Mitchell’s literary masterpiece was not just a book or a film; it was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on American storytelling.

The Birthplace of a Masterpiece

Now, let’s journey to Peachtree Street in Atlanta, where the Margaret Mitchell House stands as a testament to the creation of “Gone with the Wind.” This historic building, originally known as the Crescent Apartments, is where Margaret Mitchell penned her timeless novel.

The Margaret Mitchell House Museum is part of the Atlanta History Center and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of the author and the era in which she wrote her iconic work. As you enter the house, you are transported back in time to the 1920s and 1930s, the period when Mitchell was writing her novel.

The House Tour: A Journey Through Time

One of the highlights of visiting the Margaret Mitchell House is the guided tour, which provides a fascinating look at the life and times of Margaret Mitchell. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the various rooms of the house, sharing stories about Mitchell’s upbringing, her career as a journalist, and her secretiveness about her work on “Gone with the Wind.”

The tour takes you to Mitchell’s apartment, where she spent countless hours writing her novel. It’s a modest space that looks much as it did during her time, complete with her typewriter and original manuscripts. Being in this room, where literary history was made, is a surreal experience for any fan of the novel or film.

The Making of a Masterpiece: Exhibits and Artifacts

In addition to the guided tour, the Margaret Mitchell House features a museum with an array of exhibits and artifacts related to “Gone with the Wind” and Margaret Mitchell’s life. Here, you can see rare photographs, personal items, and memorabilia from both the book and the film.

One of the standout exhibits is a collection of “Gone with the Wind” memorabilia, including original costumes worn by Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in the movie. These iconic costumes provide a tangible connection to the characters and the era they represent.

Visitors can also explore the various stages of the novel’s publication, from early drafts to the final printed copy. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the creative process behind this literary masterpiece.

The Legacy Lives On: Margaret Mitchell’s Impact

Mаrgаret Mitсhell’s impaсt on literature аnd рoрular сulture is immeasurable. Нer nоvel, “Gone with thе Wind,” cоntinues tо be studiеd, discussеd, аnd celebrаted arоund thе wоrld. Тhe thеmes it explores, thе chаrаcters it intrоduces, аnd thе histоrical contеxt it portrаys remain relevant tо this day. Тhe Mаrgаret Mitсhell Hоuse аnd Museum nоt only prеsеrvеs thе рhysical spаce whеre Mitсhell wrote hеr nоvel but also serves as a testаment tо hеr enduring legacy. Visitоrs сome from fаr аnd wide tо рay homage tо thе аuthor аnd tо immerse thеmselves in thе wоrld of Scarlеtt аnd Rhett. Beyond thе house, Mаrgаret Mitсhell’s influence eхtends tо thе city of Аtlanta itself. Тhe city proudly embraсes its connеction tо thе аuthor аnd hеr work. Уou’ll find strееts, schооls, аnd parks namеd after Mitсhell, reinforсing hеr plaсe in Аtlanta’s histоry аnd сulture.

Conclusion: A Literary Pilgrimage to Remember

Visiting thе Mаrgаret Mitchеll Hоuse аnd Museum in Atlаntа is mоrе thаn just а jоurney through thе pаges оf а bооk оr scenes frоm а film. It’s а pilgrimаge tо thе birthplаce оf а literаry mаsterpiece thаt hаs left аn indelible mаrk on Americаn culture. As you stеp intо thе wоrld оf Mаrgаret Mitchеll, you’ll gаin а deeрer аppreciаtion fоr thе creаtive procеss, thе рower оf stоrytelling, аnd thе enduring legаcy оf “Gone with thе Wind.” Whethеr you’re а lоngtime fаn оf thе novel оr а newcomer eаger tо discоver its mаgic, thе Mаrgаret Mitchеll Hоuse оffers аn unfоrgettаble еxpеriеncе thаt brings thе pаst tо life аnd keeps thе spirit оf this iсoniс wоrk аlive fоr generаtions tо come.

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Presidential History: Touring the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site https://www.gwtw.org/presidential-history-touring-the-jimmy-carter-national-historic-site/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:54:48 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=134 Nеstlеd in thе smаll tоwn оf Plаins, Geоrgiа, аmid picturesque fаrmlаnds аnd rolling countryside, lies Presidential History: Touring the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

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Nеstlеd in thе smаll tоwn оf Plаins, Geоrgiа, аmid picturesque fаrmlаnds аnd rolling countryside, lies а site оf greаt histоricаl significаnce—thе Jimmy Cаrter Nаtionаl Histоric Site. This unаssuming locаtion, оften overshаdowеd by thе grаndeur оf lаrger presidentiаl librаries, оffers а unique аnd personаl glimpsе intо thе life аnd legаcy оf thе 39th Рresident оf thе Unitеd Stаtes, Jimmy Cаrter. In this аrticle, wе embаrk on а journеy tо eхplore this hidden gem аnd immerse oursеlvеs in thе rich histоry оf а mаn whose post-presidentiаl work continues tо impаct thе wоrld.

A Humble Beginning

Jimmy Cаrter, born in Рlains in 1924, grew up in rural Gеorgia during a time whеn thе South was still grаppling with thе legaсy оf segregatiоn аnd ecоnomic challenges. Cаrter’s early years оn his family’s рeanut fаrm instilled in him a strоng wоrk ethic аnd a deeр cоnnectiоn tо thе lаnd аnd its pеoplе. Thеse humblе beginnings wоuld shapе thе values аnd principles thаt dеfinеd his lifе аnd presidenсy. Thе Jimmy Cаrter Natiоnal Histоric Site comprises severаl key locatiоns thаt played рivotal roles in thе lifе оf thе fоrmer Рresident. Amоng thеm are his bоyhооd hоme, thе Рlains Нigh School, thе Рlains Тrain Depоt, аnd thе Cаrter Cаmpаign Heаdquаrters. Each оf thеse sites оffers a unique perspective оn thе man who wоuld lаter become thе lеadеr оf thе free world.

The Boyhood Home

A visit to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site typically begins at the Boyhood Home, where Jimmy Carter lived with his parents, Earl and Lillian, and his three siblings. The modest, wood-framed house serves as a symbol of Carter’s upbringing in Plains, where hard work, community, and faith were the cornerstones of daily life.

The home is open to guided tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the rooms where young Jimmy Carter spent his formative years. The preserved interior reflects the simplicity of life in the 1930s and offers insights into the values that would shape Carter’s character and leadership.

Plains High School

Adjacent to the Boyhood Home is Plains High School, where Jimmy Carter attended high school and later taught Sunday school during his presidency. The school is now a visitor center and museum, featuring exhibits that detail Carter’s life and career, as well as the history of Plains and the broader South.

One of the most poignant exhibits at Plains High School is the “Childhood Room.” This recreation of Carter’s childhood bedroom provides a glimpse into his early life, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and personal memorabilia.

The Plains Train Depot

The Plains Train Depot is another essential stop on the tour, as it played a pivotal role in Jimmy Carter’s life and political career. It was at this depot that Carter gave his famous “I’ll never lie to you” speech when he announced his candidacy for the presidency in 1974.

Visitors to the depot can see a replica of Carter’s campaign office and view a video presentation about his remarkable journey from Plains to the White House. The site also highlights Carter’s lifelong passion for trains, which he inherited from his father.

Carter Campaign Headquarters

A short walk from the depot leads to the Carter Campaign Headquarters, a modest building that served as the nerve center of Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. The unassuming office space is a testament to the grassroots approach that helped propel Carter from relative obscurity to the highest office in the land.

Inside, you’ll find campaign posters, memorabilia, and exhibits that shed light on the strategies and challenges of Carter’s presidential bid. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the political history of the 1970s and the remarkable campaign that led to Carter’s election as President in 1976.

A Legacy of Service

As visitors explore the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, they not only learn about the life and career of a former President but also witness the enduring commitment to public service that has defined Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential life.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of the site is the continued presence of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Plains. The Carters often greet visitors, share stories, and participate in special events. Their active involvement in the community and their work through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian causes that extends far beyond the boundaries of the presidential office.

The Plains Community

A visit to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site also provides an opportunity to explore the charming town of Plains itself. With a population of just over 700 residents, Plains maintains its small-town Southern charm. Visitors can stroll down Main Street, visit local shops and cafes, and immerse themselves in the genuine warmth and hospitality of the community.

The connection between Plains and its most famous resident is evident throughout the town. Murals, sculptures, and plaques celebrating Jimmy Carter’s life and accomplishments can be found at various locations, making it clear that the entire community takes pride in its presidential heritage.

Conclusion: A Presidential Experience Like No Other

Thе Jimmy Cаrter Nаtiоnаl Histоric Site offers а unique аnd intimаte рersрective оn thе life аnd legасy of оnе of Аmericа’s most resрected stаtesmen. It is а plаce whеrе histоry comes аlive, аnd whеrе visitоrs cаn gаin а dееpеr understаnding of thе vаlues аnd principlеs thаt hаve guided Jimmy Cаrter’s remаrkаble journey frоm а humblе peаnut fаrm in Рlаins tо thе highest office in thе lаnd. As you exрlore thе boyhood home, wаlk in thе footsteps of thе cаmpаign trаil, аnd engаge with thе Рlаins community, you’ll discоver thаt this histоric site is nоt just а mоnument tо thе pаst, but а living testаment tо thе еnduring sрirit of public service аnd thе рower of humblе beginnings tо shаpe extrаordinаry lives. A visit tо thе Jimmy Cаrter Nаtiоnаl Histоric Site is аn oррortunity tо witnеss histоry, be inspirеd by а greаt leаder, аnd reflect оn thе profound impаct thаt оnе pеrsоn cаn hаve оn thе world.

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Savannah’s Secret Charms: Hidden Adult-Friendly Activities in Georgia https://www.gwtw.org/savannahs-secret-charms-hidden-adult-friendly-activities-in-georgia/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:33:30 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=118 Savannah is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and because of this, Savannah’s Secret Charms: Hidden Adult-Friendly Activities in Georgia

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Savannah is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and because of this, it has some of the most beautiful architectural structures that date back to the eighteenth century. The city’s historical center is one of the oldest in the country. It is a National Historic Landmark District with gorgeous Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival influences that add to its old-fashioned charm. If you’re visiting Savannah and want to know where the most unusual sights and attractions are, then this article will point you in the right direction. 

Try Unique and Fun Activities For Adults That Will Show You a Different Side Of the City 

In any city, it might be difficult to find entertaining things to do for adults if you are unfamiliar with the area, especially if you wish to engage in activities that are not frequently advertised or that don’t appear on recommendation cities about the city. Fortunately, many web articles that offer details about various experiences and attractions are valuable resources for tourists and travelers. For instance, if you were looking for thrilling activities in New York City, you would find that these fun activities in New York for adults offer the perfect blend of excitement and culture that will make you fall in love with the city when visiting. The article discusses a variety of NYC excursions and attractions, including going to the Modern Museum of Art and flying over the city’s skyline in a helicopter. Similarly, the following six activities in Savannah are sure to delight you. 

Enjoy a Nightcap At One Of Savannah’s Many Rooftop Bars

Visiting one of Savannah’s many rooftop bars affords you the opportunity to take in the city’s breathtaking views while sipping on a sundown cocktail. Peregrin, which is located on the top floor of the Perry Lane Hotel, is one of Savannah’s most popular rooftop bars, with its exotic, unique drinks and its signature dishes like the crispy fried chicken wings, sweet and spicy sake glaze that diners rave about on social media and review sites. Other rooftop bars like Rocks on the Roof feature live entertainment and a communal firepit to enjoy on chilly nights—making it the perfect place to visit all year round. 

Visit a Brewery To Enjoy the Unique Savannah Taste

Savannah has a number of fantastic breweries that offer brewing tours and tastings to its patrons. Booking is essential, especially during the busy seasons like the third weekend of September when Jekyll Island hosts a grand Shrimp and Cereal Festival. Festival times and the summertime are some of the best times to visit Savannah because the warmer weather encourages more outdoor activities and tons of entertainment for adults to enjoy. 

The Paris Market Is a Hidden Gem In Savannah 

For a truly unique shopping experience, visit the Paris Market in Savannah. You’ll find all kinds of products and wares from French-inspired gifts and home decor to vintage clothing and jewelry. The store is located in the heart of Savannah’s downtown district and its charming interior houses a carefully curated collection of trinkets and souvenirs from all over Europe. 

The store’s charm is its unique decor as well as the treasures that are for sale. There are two floors each with a unique theme—the ground floor is a sunlit café where delicious pastries, coffee, and sandwiches are served daily, and the lower level is dark and mysterious which adds to the store’s mystery and intrigue. 

Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

The Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Tour allows you to see all the major attractions in the city like Forsyth Park, the Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Riverfront conveniently and at your leisure. You can get on and off the trolley at any time and stay at each location for as long as you like because another trolley will pick you up again along its route. This means you don’t have to pay any expensive taxi fares or worry about being stranded somewhere. 

Visit the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour with Low House Entry

If you find supernatural and eerie things interesting then taking the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour is the ideal excursion for you. Your guide takes you to some of Savannah’s most popular spooky sites like Andrew Low House and the Bonaventure Cemetery, and will also give you a thorough historical background on the city’s dark history and eerie local occurrences. Be sure to take a fully charged camera with you to capture all the gothic attractions. 

Take a Riverboat Cruise Down the Savannah River

The Savannah River is a 316-mile-long tidal river that flows through the city. There are several boat cruises you can take including sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and brunch cruises which take you past many major tourist attractions like the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. The dinner cruises are the longest—lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes and include live entertainment and delicious dishes that capture the culture and heritage of Savannah. Reservations are essential because of the popularity of these cruises. 

Take a Cooking Class and Learn To Cook Like the Locals

Savanah has an eclectic culture and cuisine, which is why visitors to the city enjoy so many of the local diners and dives. Taking a local cooking class will teach the techniques and flavor combinations you can use to make delicious dishes like shrimp and grits, pralines, and crystal crab stew when entertaining friends and family at home. You’ll also meet new people who share your love for cooking and eating. At the end of the cooking lesson, you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy the meal you cook while also savoring other dishes that have been prepared. 

Conclusion 

Visiting Savannah will open up a whole new world of experiences like no other. Whether you enjoy touring old gravesites and haunted mansions, sailing down the river sipping cocktails, riding the trolley while touring the city, having a nightcap under the stars at a rooftop bar, beer tasting at breweries, shopping for curios at The Paris Market, or learning to cook local cuisine—Savannah is a city with unique culture and history that you’ll want to visit time and again.

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Davenport House Museum https://www.gwtw.org/davenport-house-museum/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:17:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=79 The Davenport House is a Federal style home that was built in 1820 by master builder Isaiah Davenport.

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The Davenport House is a Federal style home that was built in 1820 by master builder Isaiah Davenport. Davenport was known for his skill and talent in the building industry, and the house served as a showcase for his work as well as a family home. He lived in the house with his wife and family until he died of yellow fever in 1827. When they were threatened with demolition in the mid-1950s, seven Savannah women came together to save the Davenport House and founded the Savannah Historical Foundation.

After completing his carpentry apprenticeship in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Davenport moved to Savannah in 1809. He built several elegant homes in the Federal and Georgian styles. While most homes of the time were built of wood, Davenport used brick to emphasize his growing wealth and social status. After his death in 1827 from yellow fever, his wife converted the house into a boarding house. She would live in the residence until the Baynard family of Hilton Head purchased it 13 years later. Over the next decades, the house fell on hard times and became an abandoned rooming house. Even while in deep disrepair, the house was still recognized for its architectural significance by New Deal surveyors as part of the 1930s Survey of Historic Buildings in America.

When the mansion was threatened with demolition in the mid-1950s, a group of citizens concerned about preserving the city’s architectural heritage formed the Historic Savannah Foundation. Their first official act was to purchase the Davenport House, which served as their headquarters for several years. Starting with the ground floor in 1955, the foundation began the painstaking restoration work necessary to return the house to its former glory and create a museum. The process was completed seven years later. The Davenport House Museum has received many prestigious awards.

Exhibitions worth seeing

The three-story interior has stunning details, such as intricate plasterwork and a staircase that seems to float in the air. The various rooms are furnished with period furniture and decorated with wallpaper and lighting to reflect how the house would have looked when it served as Davenport’s home. The interpretation is based on research that included an inventory taken at the time of Davenport’s death and the sale of his estate. The Preservation Society also used biographical records. The museum’s 500-item collection includes ceramics, textiles, and historic children’s toys. The centerpiece of the collection is a drawing of the house’s exterior façade by local artist Christopher Murphy. It was originally part of a set of drawings that the artist completed in the 1920s called Five Beautiful Doors in Savannah. The back of the house,

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Southern U.S. planter’s house https://www.gwtw.org/southern-us-planters-house/ Sat, 24 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=76 The history of Atlanta, Georgia, and the entire United States cannot be imagined without the heyday of the American South and the cotton plantations that were the basis of this heyday

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The history of Atlanta, Georgia, and the entire United States cannot be imagined without the heyday of the American South and the cotton plantations that were the basis of this heyday, described in Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind and one of the causes of the American Civil War. The cotton fields stretched around the house of the landowner, the planter, and the estate itself was called a plantation. This article opens a series of stories about how this house was arranged, how and where its inhabitants lived, the masters, as well as servants and black slaves.

A Southern plantation house, a large, usually two- or three-story mansion, was a visible symbol of the wealth of a planter in the southern states of the United States in the first half of the nineteenth century. Stone Mountain Park features such a house and its associated buildings. All of these buildings, dating from between 1783 and 1875, were moved from their original locations and carefully restored in a single Antebellum Plantation complex.

In colonial Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the first plantation houses tended to follow British vernacular forms, such as houses with halls and parlors and houses with a central passageway.

The more grandiose structures of the later colonial period generally followed neoclassical styles, although some very early and rare Jacobean structures survive in Virginia. And in the southern part of what became the state of Louisiana, plantations reflected French colonial architectural types, some with Spanish influences, which remained in trend even after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. After the War of Independence, Federal and Jeffersonian neoclassical styles became dominant in formal plantation architecture.

Large parts of the South outside of the original British colonies, such as Kentucky and Tennessee, did not see major settlement until the early 1800s. Although large parts of Alabama and Mississippi were settled around the same time, there were areas of these states, as well as parts of western Georgia and southeastern Tennessee, that did not experience large-scale settlement until after the removal of the Indians in the 1830s. Very little formal architecture existed in these newly settled areas, with most houses being hewn logs until the 1840s. Many of these wooden houses had a common “dogtrot” type plan.

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Margaret Mitchell House Museum https://www.gwtw.org/margaret-mitchell-house-museum/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:04:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=73 The first-floor apartment of this turn-of-the-century Tudor Revival mansion has been converted into a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The first-floor apartment of this turn-of-the-century Tudor Revival mansion has been converted into a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Writer Margaret Mitchell (aka Peggy Marsh) called the dwelling a “dump,” but now it’s a must-see for all literature lovers.

In apartment No. 1 of the Crescent Apartments in Atlanta, Mitchell moved in with her second husband, John Robert Marsh, who was best man at her first wedding, to Berrien Kinnard Upshaw. Here she worked on chapters of a novel that became one of the legendary works of literature in the southern United States.

Mitchell began writing the book in 1926 while she was recovering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. However, instead of publishing her work as quickly as possible, she tucked each chapter into separate envelopes and hid them around the house. The resulting novel, Gone with the Wind, is still read and studied today, mostly because of its idealized description of the pre-war South, as well as its complicated protagonist Scarlett O’Hara, who may have been the first fully developed female character in American literature.

Visitors to Margaret Mitchell’s home can see her Underwood typewriter among exhibits dedicated to the book and movie Gone with the Wind, and wander through the writer’s home, recreated as it probably was when she lived there (but complete with hints of her interest in erotica).

When you take this tour of Margaret Mitchell’s apartment and the areas that influenced her life, you will be able to explore the complex issues Gone with the Wind raised.

During the tour, you see both sides of the coin – the popularity and criticism of the book.

This tour will help you understand the difference between historical fiction and historical fact.

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Nature of the State of Georgia https://www.gwtw.org/nature-of-the-state-of-georgia/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:14:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=61 The state of Georgia is located in the South of the United States and belongs to the South Atlantic states. Georgia borders the states of Tennessee and North Carolina to the north

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The state of Georgia is located in the South of the United States and belongs to the South Atlantic states. Georgia borders the states of Tennessee and North Carolina to the north, South Carolina to the northeast, Florida to the south, and Alabama to the west. Georgia’s coastline is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Georgia is located in two physiographic regions of the United States: the Appalachian Mountain System and the Atlantic Lowlands of the United States.

Most of Georgia’s territory (the entire southeast of the state) is a coastal plain, part of the U.S. Atlantic Lowlands. The region is characterized by a flat topography rising gently to the northwest. Along the coast of Georgia (as well as northward along the coast of South Carolina and southward in Florida) stretches a chain of numerous (over one hundred) barrier islands of the Sea Islands (“Sea Islands”). The largest of Georgia’s Sea Islands is Cumberland Island, with an area of 147 km², and its coastline is a national wildlife refuge. Four of Georgia’s islands are known as Golden Isles (“Golden Isles”), their mild climate, picturesque nature and diverse wildlife attract numerous tourists. Georgia’s coastline is riddled with numerous bays and river estuaries.

In the interior of the coastal plain, the gentle sandhills known as the Sandhills stretch from the northeast (from South Carolina) to the southwest, overgrown with pine forests. To the northwest of them, separated from the plains by a scarp known as the “Fall Line” (or “Falls Line”), is the hilly Piedmont Plateau, the easternmost province of Appalachia and the second largest region of Georgia. Several distinct peaks rise above Piedmont, the most famous of which is the rock monolith Stone Mountain (514 meters above sea level and about 250 meters above the surrounding plain).

Even further north, in the extreme northeast of the state, are the Blue Ridge (“Blue Ridge”) Mountains. It is here that Georgia’s highest mountain, Brasstown Bold (1,458 meters above sea level), is located. To the west of Blue Ridge stretches the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley (“Ridges and Valleys”) region. In Georgia, it includes the Taylor Ridge Ranges (up to 507 meters above sea level), White Oak Mountain (456 meters), and Lookout Mountain (728 meters). Farther west, in the extreme northwest of the state, is the Cumberland Plateau (the southern part of the Appalachian Plateau).

About half of Georgia’s rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean, most of the rest flow to the Gulf of Mexico through Florida and Alabama, with several small rivers in the northern part of the state flowing into the Tennessee River (and then through the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico). The longest river flowing through Georgia is the Chattahoochee River, which flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeastern part of the state south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Chattahoochee River is about 690 kilometers long, and in its middle course it forms part of the Georgia-Alabama border. Other major rivers in the state are the Flint River (554 km long), the Savannah River (484 km long), which forms most of the border with South Carolina, and the Ojichi River (473 km long).

The largest body of water in Georgia is the Clarks Hill Lake Reservoir on the Savannah River (on the border with South Carolina). Its area is 288 km² and its depth reaches 55 meters. Other large lakes in the state are Hartwell Reservoir on the Savannah River (also on the border with South Carolina, with an area of 230 km² and a depth of up to 56 meters), Walter George Reservoir on the Chattahoochee River (on the border with Alabama, its area is 183 km² and depth up to 30 meters). The largest lake located entirely in Georgia is Sidney Lanier Reservoir (or simply Lanier) on the Chattahoochee River (150 km², depth up to 48 meters).

Georgia is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. The state’s climate is strongly influenced by the proximity of the ocean; the coast, unlike the mountainous regions, receives almost no snow in winter, but in summer it usually receives more precipitation than in the inland areas.

In central Georgia’s largest city (and capital), Atlanta, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, ranges from 2°C to 12°C, and the hottest month, July, from 22°C to 32°C. In the Atlantic coastal city of Savannah, the average January temperature ranges from 4°C to 16°C and July from 23°C to 34°C.

Like other Atlantic coastal states, Georgia is highly vulnerable to hurricanes. However, the coastal areas of Georgia are rarely directly hit by the elements, more often inland areas of the state strong storm winds and heavy rains are brought by hurricanes, which have already weakened to some extent over Florida. Tornadoes are also quite common in Georgia, but relatively weak.

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Discover Atlanta’s Olympic heritage https://www.gwtw.org/discover-atlantas-olympic-heritage/ Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:13:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=41 Centennial Olympic Park is not only a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, but also the center of a thriving tourist district with neighbors that include the College Football Hall of Fame

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Centennial Olympic Park is not only a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, but also the center of a thriving tourist district with neighbors that include the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Coca-Cola World, the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN Center and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. This park in downtown Atlanta is an urban oasis that offers many activities and things to do for visitors, families, conventioneers and locals alike.

Reasons to visit Centennial Olympic Park

  • Insta-worthy art: Check out the digital interactive mural at the Visitor Center and take a photo in front of the Olympic Rings sculpture.
  • Events: In addition to the weekly music series, Centennial Olympic Park hosts major popular annual festivals and events, including the Sweetwater420 Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival, 4th of July, Holiday in Lights and Ice Skating Rink, and more.
  • The Splash: Not only is it one of the most complex fountains in the world, but it is also the world’s largest interactive fountain with the symbol of the Olympic Rings. Children of all ages play in the fountain and enjoy a synchronized water and music program where the water dances to familiar tunes with sound and light effects. The Fountain of Rings show is free to watch four times a day, 365 days a year, at 12:30, 15:30, 18:30, and 21:00.
  • History: An audio walking tour, available on our mobile-friendly website, gives visitors the opportunity to explore the park at their own pace. At their own pace, visitors can enjoy Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park and the continuing legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. It is filled with history, architecture, amazing trivia and original music.
  • Attractions: Surrounded by Atlanta’s most popular attractions, such as the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel, CNN Studio Tours, Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola World and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the park is Atlanta’s central access point for family-friendly fun and entertainment.

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Fort McAllister Historical State Park https://www.gwtw.org/fort-mcallister-historical-state-park/ Wed, 08 Jun 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://www.gwtw.org/?p=50 Fort McAllister, located along the banks of the Ogeechee River south of Savannah, was a Confederate earthwork fortification that remains one of the best-preserved forts of its type in the country today.

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Fort McAllister, located along the banks of the Ogeechee River south of Savannah, was a Confederate earthwork fortification that remains one of the best-preserved forts of its type in the country today.

Fort McAllister was built in 1861-1862 in response to Union operations to capture the Confederate port city of Savannah. Although initially of little interest to Union military planners (they did not even know it existed until June 1862), McAllister soon gained attention after the fall of nearby Fort Pulaski in April of that year. This was due to the fact that even after the fall of Pulaski, Savannah still had an impressive system of fortifications that protected it from attack from the sea, so the plan to take it from the “soft” side of the land seemed more acceptable. The Ogechi River to the south was a convenient avenue for this land attack on the city. If the troops could be moved up the river far enough, they could be landed for a direct attack on Savannah from the west. To make it happen,

Soon after they discovered this, the Union Navy took its first aggressive steps against McAllister. The first attack took place on July 1, 1862, when the Union gunboat Potomac opened fire on its earthen fortifications in a rather feeble attempt to test the strength of the forts. The gunboat was vastly outgunned and quickly driven back. Later that month, another attack occurred when three Union ships, pursuing a Confederate raider called the Nashville, came within range of McAllister’s guns. The exchange was heated, but again, the small naval force could not withstand the guns of the forts for long. In November 1862, the fort was again attacked in two short bursts, but they were also somewhat half-hearted. In 1863, Union efforts to reduce Fort McAllister became somewhat more serious. On January 27, February 1, and February 28, Union gunboats led by the armored Montauk arrived to smash McAllister’s earthen walls. Don’t think that the fort’s defenders didn’t just sit back during these attacks. One battle with Montauk, which lasted over five hours, saw the fort’s artillerymen fire 15 direct hits on the battleship, although little damage was done. These battles culminated in the Union Navy’s most aggressive attack against Macalester on March 3, 1863. On that day, Montauk approached the fort again, but this time it was accompanied by three more battleships “Passaic, Nahant, and Patapsco. For eight hours, the Union ships hurled their 15-inch shells into the walls of McAllister, tearing seven-foot craters in the earthen walls with each impact. The Union ships even landed infantry on the far side of the river to fire on the brave Confederate riflemen who returned fire. Although this attack did incredible damage to the fortresses’ defenses, it ultimately proved as futile as those that preceded it. It was clear that Macalister could not be reduced by sea, and the Union ships retreated. Furthermore, the damage caused by the ships was short-lived, with soldiers and slaves repairing the walls overnight.

The next year or so was a period of relative calm in McAllister. Union efforts throughout the rest of 1863 and much of 1864 were focused on other parts of the Deep South, with troops and guns being withdrawn from the fort to be sent to other more active theaters of war. This meant that when General William Tecumseh Sherman and his 62,000-strong army arrived at Savannah’s gates in December 1864, the fort’s defenses were seriously weakened.

After the war, McAllister was quickly abandoned (it was never intended to be permanently fortified), but unlike many other coastal earthworks of the period, it managed to avoid destruction either by nature or man over the following years. The fort is now preserved within the 1,725-acre historic state park that bears its name. Touted as “the best-preserved Confederate earthwork in the country,” McAllister was one of the most amazing Civil War forts I’ve recently visited. It is remarkably well-preserved, with its massive adobe walls and bombproof stores still towering over the river it was originally built to protect. If you are in the Savannah area (and, like me, a bit of a Civil War buff), I would highly recommend a stop here. There aren’t many forts like this in the country… especially ones that are in as pristine a condition as this one

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