Horton House | Brunswick

The Horton House is one of the most historically significant and architecturally unique landmarks on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Built in 1743, it stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in the state and offers a rare, tangible connection to Georgia’s early colonial history.

Historical Background

The Horton House was constructed by Major William Horton, an important figure in the early colonial period of Georgia. Horton was a trusted officer and aide-de-camp to General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony. In recognition of his services, Horton was granted 500 acres on Jekyll Island in 1735, where he established a plantation.

The original house Horton built was destroyed in 1742 during a Spanish attack aimed at reclaiming the territory from the British. In response, Horton rebuilt the house in 1743 using a more durable and innovative building material known as tabby concrete. This new construction was intended to withstand the harsh coastal environment and potential future attacks.

Major Horton was also instrumental in developing the colony’s infrastructure, including establishing Georgia’s first brewery near his plantation, supplying beer to settlers and troops stationed at Fort Frederica. His influence extended beyond Jekyll Island into the broader growth of the colony.

Architectural Significance: Tabby Concrete Construction

The Horton House is an exceptional example of tabby concrete construction—a building technique unique to coastal areas of the southeastern United States during the colonial era. Tabby is made from a mixture of lime, sand, water, and oyster shells, which, when combined and cured, create a sturdy, concrete-like material.

This method was favored for its availability of raw materials in coastal environments and for its resistance to rot, insects, and fire. The surviving walls of the Horton House, though now in partial ruins, showcase this durable building style. The structure’s thick tabby walls allowed it to endure centuries of exposure to the humid and salty maritime climate.

The house is a one-story rectangular building with openings for windows and doors, reflecting the practical architectural style of colonial settlers. Although only ruins remain today, preservation efforts have maintained the site as an important cultural and architectural artifact.

The DuBignon Era and Plantation History

In 1790, the property passed to the DuBignon family, French Huguenot settlers who developed the plantation into a productive agricultural estate. The DuBignons cultivated Sea Island cotton, a highly prized variety known for its long, silky fibers. They also managed other crops and livestock, contributing to the economic growth of the island.

The DuBignon family occupied the house for several decades, and their presence is commemorated at the site by the nearby DuBignon Cemetery, where family members and other early settlers are buried. This cemetery adds an important historical layer, providing insights into the lives and deaths of the island’s colonial inhabitants.

Preservation and Recognition

The Horton House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, acknowledging its cultural, historical, and architectural importance. The site is managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, which ensures the ruins are protected and accessible to the public.

The preservation of the house and cemetery helps interpret the colonial history of Georgia’s coast and provides valuable educational opportunities for visitors and scholars alike.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Horton House can explore the site freely during daylight hours without an admission fee. The location is accessible and offers free parking nearby. While the building itself is a ruin, interpretive signage guides visitors through the site, explaining the construction techniques, historical context, and significance of the structure.

The peaceful setting amid live oaks and natural coastal vegetation provides an evocative atmosphere that connects visitors directly with Georgia’s colonial past. The adjacent DuBignon Cemetery invites reflection on the early settlers’ lives and legacies.

The Horton House is conveniently located near other Jekyll Island attractions, including Driftwood Beach and the Jekyll Island Campground, making it easy for visitors to incorporate into a full day of exploration on the island.

Summary

The Horton House is a cornerstone of Jekyll Island’s historic landscape. It serves as a rare surviving example of 18th-century colonial architecture using tabby concrete, reflecting early settlers’ resilience and adaptation to their environment. The house’s history, from Major William Horton’s foundational role in the colony to the DuBignon family’s agricultural development, encapsulates key elements of Georgia’s colonial and plantation-era past.

Today, the site offers a serene, educational experience for visitors seeking to understand the origins of Georgia’s coastal settlement and the enduring impact of its earliest inhabitants. Its preservation as a historic landmark ensures that this vital piece of American history remains accessible for future generations.