Visit the Chief Vann House in Chatsworth Georgia - Called the 'Showplace of the Cherokee Nation', this 2-story classic brick mansion was built and owned by Chief James Vann in 1804. It is the first brick residence in the Cherokee Nation.
History
During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, covering 1000 acres of Murray County. In 1804 he constructed a beautiful brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. Visitors can tour the best preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. Featuring beautiful hand carvings, a 'floating' staircase and and fine antiques.
Decorated with beautiful Cherokee hand carvings done in natural colors of blue, red, green and yellow, the home features a cantilevered stairway and many fine antiques.
The Vann House is a Georgia Historic Site on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the oldest remaining structures in the northern third of the state of Georgia.
During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, covering 1,000 acres of what is now Murray County. In 1804 he completed construction of a beautiful 2 ½-story brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son Joseph inherited the mansion and plantation. Joseph was also a Cherokee leader and became even more wealthy than his father.
In the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous Trail of Tears. The Vann family lost their elegant home, rebuilding in the Cherokee Territory of Oklahoma. Today the Vann House survives as Georgia's best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a remarkable "floating" staircase, a 12-foot mantle and fine antiques.
Facility Amenities
109 Acres in Size. Features: The state historic site contains an interpretive center, 50-seat theater, sales area, picnic area, and 1-mile self-guiding trail to the Vann historic spring. Wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms are available. The historic house is not wheelchair accessible; the staff provides a video tour. The State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources manages the site, a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Exhibits: Interpretation focuses on the Vanns, a prominent Cherokee family living there in the early 1800s prior to the Trail of Tears. A new 3,000-square foot interpretive center contains exhibits about the Vann family, Cherokee Nation, and Trail of Tears. A collection of artifacts, furnishings, and other items is on display.
Special Programs: Guided tours of the historic house are provided for all visitors.
Guided House TourVisitor Center (film, exhibits and artifacts)Gift Shop 1/2-Mile Nature Trail6 Picnic Tables Bus Parking
Cost
Admission is $3.50-$5. Group rates available with advance notice.
Operating Hours
Open: Thursday-Saturday at 9 am to 5 pm. Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing (gates locked). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Phone - Address & Website
Phone: 706-695-2598 Address: 82 GA Highway 225 N, Chatsworth Georgia 30705 Located 3 miles west of Chatsworth at the intersection of Ga. Hwys. 225 and 52-A. Chief Vann House State Historic Site Info
