White Columns & Historic Architecture

Self-Guided Tour of Antebellum Homes

Hay House
Step back into history inside "The Palace of the South." This 24 room, 18,000 square foot Italian Renaissance Revival historic mansion is exquisitely decorated with antiques collected by three families who occupied the house beginning in 1859. During the Civil War this house was made the gold & silver Depository which held the largest monetary reserve south of Richmond. See the "hidden room" where this treasure was secretly kept. Located 934 Georgia Avenue, (478) 742-8155.

Cannonball House
This authentic Greek revival home, built in 1853 was the only house struck by a cannonball during a Union Army attack on July 30, 1864. Antique furnishings, fine crystal & silver, two sorority parlors and gold leaf mirrors create an atmosphere of charm and elegance. Museum gift shop. Located 856 Mulberry Street, (478) 745-5982.

Sidney Lanier Cottage
Sidney Lanier, poet, linguist, musician, mathematician & lawyer was born in this cottage February 3, 1842. This site is listed on the National Historic Register, is the middle Georgia Historical Society headquarters and is filled with beautiful period furnishing and clothing. Offers guided tours and a museum shop. Located 935 High Street, (478) 743-3851.

The Garden Club Center
Headquarters of the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc., this sixteenth century English style, four story home was designed in 1910 for the Joseph N. Neel family by the noted Georgia architect, Neel Reid. Located 730 College Street. Located 730 College Street, (478) 742-0921 for guided tour information.

Woodruff House
This Greek Revival Mansion built in 1836 was the scene of a ball for Winnie Davis, daughter of Jefferson Davis. Later owned by Joseph Bond, one of the South’s wealthiest cotton planters. Restored, owned and operated now by Mercer University. Located top of Coleman Hill, historic downtown. Open only during the Cherry Blossom Festival in March and for Special Events. (478) 301-2715.

Carmichael House
Built in 1848 this National Historic Landmark is a Greek Revival mansion in form of a modified Greek cross. The most formal of all spatial concepts, the rotunda, is noted for its unusual free-standing staircase. Four rooms open from the rotunda on 2 of its 3 levels. The rooms on the main level end with a bay window giving each room the advantage of being open on three sides for maximum ventilation. Located corner of College Street and Georgia Avenue. Private residence.

Bennett HouseThis five story home covers the water source that was once used to supply the Johnston-Felton-Hay House. The spring is found on the lowest level inside a 50 foot circumference domed shape room and pumps over 40 gallons of natural water a minute at a constant temperature of 58 degrees. Located on the corner of Georgia Avenue and Nesbitt Place. Private residence.

1842 Inn
Spend the night among the antiques in this luxurious historic Inn located in the in-town historic district of Macon. A restored Greek Revival mansion filled with beautiful antiques and reproductions. Located 353 College Street, (478) 741-1842. Let the Macon Convention & Visitors Bureau make your reservations today!

Lights On Macon...Historic In-town Illumination Tour
After dinner take this free, self-guided walking tour featuring over 30 antebellum and historic mansions throughout Macon’s historic in-town neighborhood. These homes are dramatically lit up at dusk to showcase their home fronts and unique architectural features. This magnificent event occurs each night of the year! For more information contact the Macon Convention & Visitors Bureau, (478) 743-3401.