Swanton House

In the heart of Decatur, Georgia, lies a charming relic of the past – the Swanton House. This historic gem, one of the few pre-Civil War buildings still standing in the area, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history. As you stroll through its grounds and explore its rooms, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The History of Swanton House

The Swanton House's story begins in the early 19th century. Originally, it was a modest two-room log cabin constructed around 1825 by Burwell Johnson at 240 Atlanta Avenue. The property changed hands and was later sold to Ammi Williams. Unfortunately, many details of its early history were lost in the DeKalb courthouse fire of 1842. Over the years, the house underwent several updates, with additional rooms and a porch being added, transforming it into the structure we see today.

The house gets its name from Benjamin Franklin Swanton, a New Hampshire native who moved to Georgia in the 1830s during the Georgia Gold Rush to sell mining equipment. In 1852, Swanton bought the house and relocated to Decatur to sell cotton gins. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of a sawmill, gristmill, brickyard, tannery, and machine shop, making him a prominent figure in Decatur's business community.

The Civil War and Beyond

During the Civil War, Swanton, his wife, and daughter fled to Maine, leaving the house in the care of a widow named Mrs. Johnson. On July 19, 1864, the house became the headquarters of the Army of the Tennessee, led by General Thomas W. Sweeny, as they prepared for the Battle of Atlanta. Later, when General Sherman ordered the occupation of Atlanta in September 1864, the Army of the Ohio used the Swanton House as its headquarters, sparing it from destruction during the war.

The Swanton family retained ownership of the property until the 1960s. By the mid-20th century, the house faced threats from urban renewal efforts and commercialization in downtown Decatur. In January 1965, the family sold the property to the Decatur Housing Authority, which aimed to preserve and restore the house. Atlanta banker Mills Lane, an advocate for historic preservation, purchased the structure and provided funds for its restoration, contingent on the city providing a new location for the house. In April 1970, the city commission allocated a portion of Ebster Park facing West Trinity Place for this purpose.

Restoration and Relocation

The Swanton House was moved to its new location and meticulously restored, reopening and being dedicated in 1972. It now sits adjacent to the Mary Gay House in the Adair Park neighborhood of Decatur. While it is not in its original historic location, it remains on land once owned by Swanton, which was used for his tannery. Other historic structures, such as the Biffle cabin and the Thomas-Barber cabin, have also been relocated nearby by the DeKalb History Center.

The current location of the Swanton House presents some challenges. The close proximity of the four historic structures does not reflect their original spacing, and the wetter conditions at the new site have caused mold issues, necessitating nearly $40,000 in repairs since 2008.

Exploring the Swanton House

Visiting the Swanton House is like stepping back in time. As you walk through its rooms, you'll find yourself transported to the 19th century, with each room telling a story of the past. The house's architecture, with its charming porch and classic design, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.

The house also offers a glimpse into the life of Benjamin Franklin Swanton, a man whose entrepreneurial spirit helped shape Decatur's early economy. His various business ventures, from the sawmill to the brickyard, played a crucial role in the town's development.

Preserving History

The Swanton House stands as a symbol of the importance of preserving our history. Its survival through the Civil War, urban renewal, and the passage of time is a testament to the dedication of those who recognized its value and worked tirelessly to protect it. Today, it serves as a reminder of Decatur's rich heritage and the stories of the people who lived there.

In conclusion, the Swanton House is more than just a historic building; it's a window into the past. Its walls have witnessed the ebb and flow of history, from the early 19th century to the present day. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, a visit to the Swanton House is sure to be a memorable journey through time.