Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home | Augusta

The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home, located at 419 Seventh Street in Augusta, Georgia, is a historically significant site that offers a comprehensive look into the early life and formative years of Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States. This house served as the manse (parsonage) for the First Presbyterian Church, where Wilson’s father, Dr. Joseph Ruggles Wilson, was the pastor from 1858 to 1870. The house stands as a testament to Wilson’s childhood experiences during one of the most turbulent periods in American history—the Civil War and Reconstruction—which had a profound influence on his values and political outlook.

Historical Context and Significance

Woodrow Wilson, known as “Tommy” during his youth, lived in this home from infancy through early adolescence. His family moved to Augusta just before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Wilson’s earliest memories were tied to the war, including hearing news of Abraham Lincoln’s election and the impending conflict. During the war, the house was repurposed as a hospital for Confederate soldiers, exposing young Wilson to the harsh realities of battle, injury, and loss.

One of the most striking historical moments Wilson witnessed was the capture and guarded passage of Confederate President Jefferson Davis through Augusta’s streets under Union escort. These early experiences instilled in Wilson a deep awareness of national conflict and the devastating consequences of war, shaping his later dedication to diplomacy and his push for the League of Nations after World War I.

The boyhood home also represents the strong religious and moral foundation imparted by Wilson’s father, a staunch Presbyterian minister who emphasized education, discipline, and public service—values that Wilson carried into his political career.

Architectural Features and Layout

Built in 1859, the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home is a two-and-a-half-story brick residence designed in the Classical Revival style. Its architecture reflects the mid-19th-century affluent Southern manse, combining elegance with functionality.

Key architectural features include:

Brick Construction: The solid brick structure has proven durable over the centuries, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.

Classical Revival Elements: The home features a small portico (a porch with columns) at the front entrance, with balconies on either side that add to its symmetrical and refined appearance.

Interior Details: Inside, the house boasts 12-foot ceilings adorned with detailed plaster moldings, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere. Each room contains a fireplace, an essential feature for heating during the period.

Gas Lighting: The home was equipped with early gas lighting fixtures, reflecting the modern conveniences available to a family of means during the 1860s.

Auxiliary Buildings: Behind the main house are a two-story brick service building and a carriage house. The service building housed the kitchen, laundry room, wood storage, and servant’s quarters. The carriage house included a hayloft and space for horses and carriages.

These outbuildings were integral to daily life and also played a social role. For instance, Wilson and his friends used the space behind the house to form the Lightfoot Baseball Club, where they learned parliamentary procedure and operated under bylaws that Wilson himself drafted. This early engagement with organization and governance foreshadowed his future political career.

Restoration and Preservation

By the late 20th century, the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home had suffered wear from age and changing ownership. In 1991, Historic Augusta, Inc. purchased the property and embarked on a meticulous decade-long restoration project. The goal was to return the house to its appearance during the 1860s, coinciding with Wilson’s residency.

Restoration efforts included:

Wall Colors: Historical paint analysis was conducted to determine the original colors used on the walls, allowing accurate reproduction.

Woodwork and Floors: The floors and intricate wood moldings were restored or repaired to reflect their original condition.

Marble Fireplace Mantels: These mantels were preserved or carefully restored, maintaining the elegance of the interior.

Furniture: Thirteen pieces of original or period-appropriate furniture, on loan from the First Presbyterian Church, were carefully choosed to furnish the home authentically.

The restoration transformed the house into a museum that preserves both the physical structure and the atmosphere of the Civil War-era Southern parsonage.

Museum Experience and Educational Programs

The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home functions as a museum dedicated to interpreting Wilson’s early years and the wider historical context of Augusta during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Visitors can explore the main house, service building, and carriage house, gaining insights into:

The daily life and upbringing of Woodrow Wilson in a Southern religious household.

The impact of the Civil War on Augusta, the Wilson family, and the community.

Wilson’s early leadership and organizational experiences through activities like the Lightfoot Baseball Club.

The architectural and cultural heritage of mid-19th-century Augusta.

The museum offers guided tours, typically conducted on the hour from Wednesday through Saturday, allowing visitors to experience the restored rooms and learn detailed stories about the Wilson family and Augusta’s history. The tours also cover the broader implications of Wilson’s childhood experiences on his future policies as president.

Visitor Information

Location: 419 Seventh Street, Augusta, Georgia, 30901

Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with tours on the hour. The museum closes for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $10.00

Seniors and Military Personnel: $8.00

Students (K–12): $5.00

Children under 5: Free

Contact: Phone (706) 722-9828

Summary

The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home is a vital historic landmark that illuminates the early life of one of America’s most consequential presidents. Preserved with meticulous care, the home offers an authentic experience of life in Augusta during the mid-19th century, reflecting the social, political, and religious influences that shaped Wilson’s worldview. Through its architecture, artifacts, and educational programming, the museum not only honors Wilson’s legacy but also provides a nuanced perspective on the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, making it an essential destination for those interested in American history, presidential heritage, and Southern culture.