Cannonball House | Macon

The Cannonball House, located in Macon, Georgia, is one of the city's most historically significant landmarks. Constructed in 1853, this Greek Revival-style home was originally built for Judge Asa Holt, a prominent cotton plantation owner and attorney. The house's architectural and historical relevance, paired with its remarkable Civil War history, has earned it a respected place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architectural Design and Features

The Cannonball House is a classic example of the Greek Revival architectural style, popular in the antebellum South. Some of its most striking exterior and interior design features include:

Stuccoed brick construction with a symmetrical façade.

A front portico supported by fluted Ionic columns, which show signs of damage from a Civil War cannonball strike.

High ceilings, wide central hallways, and grand parlors typical of mid-19th-century Southern elite homes.

Original plaster moldings, heart pine flooring, and period-appropriate furnishings that reflect the lifestyle of Georgia’s upper class in the 1850s.

The Civil War and the Origin of Its Name

The house received its dramatic name from a notable incident during the American Civil War. On July 30, 1864, during General George Stoneman's raid as part of the Union Army's campaign to disrupt Confederate supply lines, a Union cannonball was fired into Macon. The projectile:

First struck the sidewalk outside the house.

Then ricocheted into one of the Ionic columns supporting the front portico.

Entered through the front parlor, passed through the hallway, and was finally stopped by the rear wall of the structure.

This cannonball did not cause any fatalities or severe injuries, but the damage was preserved and later became a symbol of the home's resilience. The event left such a strong impression that the house came to be called “The Cannonball House,” a name it bears to this day.

Museum and Historical Interpretation

Today, the Cannonball House operates as a house museum and historical center. It is managed to preserve and showcase life in the South before, during, and after the Civil War. The museum offers visitors a rich array of exhibits and educational experiences, including:

1. Period-Furnished Rooms

Each room in the house is carefully restored and furnished with authentic 19th-century antiques, many of which are original to the home or representative of the time. These include bedrooms, parlors, and dining rooms with Victorian décor, family portraits, and daily-use objects.

2. Adelphean and Philomathean Rooms

Two rooms are dedicated to the founders of two of the nation’s oldest women’s sororities, both of which originated in Georgia:

The Adelphean Room honors Alpha Delta Pi, founded at Wesleyan College in 1851.

The Philomathean Room is dedicated to Phi Mu, also founded at Wesleyan in 1852.

These rooms are furnished with memorabilia, early sorority artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the role of women in higher education and Southern society.

3. Servants' Quarters and Brick Kitchen

Behind the main house is the original two-story brick kitchen and servants’ quarters, a rare surviving structure from that era. This section of the property gives insights into the domestic labor that supported Southern households:

The downstairs kitchen includes cooking implements, hearths, and utensils.

Upstairs quarters show the modest living conditions of the enslaved individuals and later domestic workers who lived on the property.

4. Civil War and Southern History Collection

The museum hosts a large collection of Civil War-era artifacts, such as:

Confederate and Union uniforms.

Weaponry and personal belongings of soldiers.

Military correspondence, currency, and local wartime documentation.

Southern domestic textiles, flags, and 19th-century tools.

This collection offers a broader narrative about Georgia’s involvement in the Civil War and how it affected both military and civilian life.

Grounds and Gardens

Surrounding the Cannonball House are well-maintained English-style gardens, designed to reflect the landscaping typical of Southern homes in the 1800s. The gardens include:

A central lawn with native flowering plants and shrubs.

Period-appropriate wrought iron fencing.

Pathways and benches offering a serene setting for visitors.

Visiting Experience

Visitors to the Cannonball House can enjoy guided tours that provide rich storytelling and historical interpretation. Tour guides often dress in period attire and offer insights into daily life during the Civil War era.

Tour Details:

Days: Tuesday to Saturday

Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Tours begin every half hour)

Admission:

Adults: $12

Seniors and Military: $10

Students (with ID): $5

Children under 4: Free

The house also includes a gift shop with books, souvenirs, and Southern-themed merchandise. It hosts special events such as Civil War reenactments, lectures, seasonal celebrations, and educational field trips for schools.

Cultural Importance

The Cannonball House is not only a preserved piece of architecture but also a living museum of Southern heritage, reflecting a complex history that includes antebellum prosperity, war, reconstruction, and social change. Its focus on authentic preservation and storytelling makes it a vital cultural and educational resource in the state of Georgia.