Macon is another town we had yet to visit so we planned to spend a few nights there at the Al Sihah Shriners' RV Park. While the sites aren’t anything to write home about the park was really nice and very quiet.
We hadn’t done a lot of research on Macon so we were surprised to learn of its history. Macon was one of the few southern cities that wasn’t burned to the ground during the Civil War.. As a result it has more historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places than any other city in Georgia. It was founded in 1823 and it is home to the oldest private university in Georgia, Mercer University, founded in 1873.
We were touring the Mercer Law School, a beautiful building modeled after Independence Hall, when we met a fellow and his kids. He began telling us all about the history of Macon and was a wealth of knowledge. Turns out he was a historian who used to live in Macon, now Atlanta, and was showing his kids the history of Macon.
He told us to make sure to see the Hay House Lovingly nicknamed "The Palace of the South," a 7-level Italian Renaissance Revival mansion built in the mid-1800s. This 18,000-square-foot mansion is four stories and is crowned by a two-story cupola. Construction began in 1855 and lasted four years.
What’s fascinating is that it had hot and cold running water, central heat, gas lighting, a speaker-tube system, in-house kitchen, and an elaborate ventilation system. All of this was done in the mid 1800’s, unheard of at that time.Imagine having running water and air conditioning in the 1800’s!
Another interesting building is the St. Joseph Catholic Church which rises 200 ft. into the air. This church is not only huge but is quite elaborate as well.There are many other fascinating historical buildings in town but I’ll leave those for you to come see for yourselves.
Another day in Macon we decided to check out the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. With over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation, this prehistoric American Indian site has an Earth Lodge with original floors dates to 1015.
There are hiking trails throughout the park and that is how we decided to tour it. The trails took us through the whole park where we were able to see all the mounds that were built between 900 and 1100. They were crafted out of dirt and clay.
The largest mound is the 55-foot-tall Great Temple Mound where the societal leaders watched over the village and out across its forested-swamp surroundings. There are several other mounds that the trail took us by. In all there are eight earthen mounds there and the remains of a ceremonial earth lodge. It was certainly a worthwhile visit.We are both more than glad we decided to visit Macon.
Very interesting post! I have great-great somethings from there and have never looked it up. I somehow assumed it had been burned down or very damaged during the Civil War.
ReplyDeleteAs did I!
DeleteI always find it fascinating how every city and town across the country has its own special highlights. That architecture in Macon is impressive.
ReplyDeleteYes, every town, no mater how big or how small, has its own unique story.
DeleteInteresting buildings in a city that has been able to hold on to its history, even its Native American past.
ReplyDeleteYes a lot of mixed beliefs all preserved in one location.
DeleteAbout 100 miles south of Macon is Irwinville, GA. History tells us that Jefferson Davis and his family and entourage were captured there on the run after the fall of the Confederacy. Irwinville marks the capture with a monument, museum, etc.
ReplyDeleteMan, did you make the right decisions! Remember when you used to settle in for the winter somewhere around Bonita Springs, FL? Right now, people down there are living a nightmare.
hey duke, I don’t know why my name didn’t appear; maybe it’s because I’m using a new iPad. Dee Tillotson
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of architectural treasures (that might be a stretch) Macon is also home of The Big House where the Allman Brothers Band lived and played - another slice of history.
ReplyDelete