82 Old Ruins to Explore in Georgia

Andalusia, was the home of prominent Southern author and essayist Flannery O'Connor. Situated on a 500-acre farm near Milledgeville, this sprawling estate saw the birth of many of O’Connor’s critically acclaimed works such as ‘Wise Blood’ and 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find'. Overlooking a placid lake and surrounded by pecan trees, it was in Andalusia that ‘The preeminent chronicler of the Deep South’ honed her craft.

It is most notably home to the Confederate prisoner of war camp known as Camp Sumter, which was operated during the Civil War. The historic site serves today to memorialize the prisoners who suffered and perished there and helps the public remember the experiences of those incarcerated by offering multiple educational experiences both onsite and online. Additionally, its grounds are also a cemetery for unknown soldiers that first began operations in 1865 with more than 13,000 interments.

Atlanta White House is a gorgeous estate built-in 1906 on 8 acres of land, this stately home features majestic columns that reach up to four stories high and an impressive portico at the entrance. Visitors are impressed by its detailed woodwork, original staircase and exquisite courtyard area with a pool surrounded by charming gardens of fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Inside, there are fourteen bedrooms, each decorated according to its own unique design.

Bell Auditorium is a stately building with a long and colorful history. Constructed in 1933, It served as the home of the Richmond Academy until 1986 and has since been used as a venue for concerts, stage plays, special events, and more. The distinctive design of the auditorium features towering columns and Romanesque detailing throughout. Inside, it boasts an expansive performance hall along with more intimate chamber areas which provide seating for both small as well as larger crowds.

Billy Carter's Service Station was an integral part of the community for over 37 years. Conveniently located right off the interstate, Billy offered excellent services in car tune-ups, repairs and rental cars. His expertise and knowledge made him a favorite among locals who received quick, efficient service with a friendly smile. Billy was an integral part of the community and supported local events by providing gasoline prizes to winners.

Fulton County, Georgia is the birthplace of the iconic civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Martin Luther King Jr. On January 15th, 1929, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King welcomed their son into the world at a former slave plantation in this region of northwest Georgia near Atlanta. The young family lived from 1934 to 1941 in a modest but comfortable home on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta's oldest African American community.

This is a historical site with a fascinating past. Built in 1922 for Asa G. Candler Jr., President of the Coca-Cola Company, the mansion was modeled after an estate located in Birmingham, England. During World War II it was transferred to the Navy and used as a training facility before being purchased by Emory University and made into a Psychiatric Hospital afterward. After closing its doors in 1997, the mansion was left abandoned until being recently renovated into its original state.

Browns Bridge, is best known for its beautiful hiking trails and nature parks. Winding through lush forests and farmland it offers the perfect escape from city life. The bridge itself dates back to 1967, when it was built to connect two sides of Lake Lanier, which is a popular meeting spot for fishermen during migration season. Further along the trail visitors will find multiple points of interest such as a scenic waterfall, an old abandoned house, several picnic areas and even some wildlife.

Cannonball House is one of the most important landmarks in Georgia. Built-in the 1840s, it is believed to be the only house constructed with cannonballs that survived the American Civil War. The bricks that make up its walls were secured with rivets made from American cannons captured during the war. This unique construction technique and story behind it earned Cannonball House a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park is one of the most significant historic sites in the United States. Spanning over 10,000 acres, with two battle fields and several military monuments, it commemorates five separate Civil War battles that were fought in the area between 1863 and 1865. This national park also features 3 major observation towers that offer spectacular views of Lookout Valley and the Tennessee River.

The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the bloodiest two-day battle of the American Civil War. Visitors can gain a better understanding of this pivotal moment in history when they experience the museum which features numerous artifacts, exhibits and educational films. Go on an auto tour of the actual battlefield where visitors can see over 200 monuments, battle flags and plaques to commemorate this historic moment in time.

The Chief Vann House Historic Site is a 19th century plantation house that has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. Built circa 1805 by Chief James Vann and his son Joseph, the home is a remarkable reminder of an interesting chapter in Georgia's past. The house was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for its representations of Cherokee history in Georgia and its significance to southern aristocracy.

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home, is a living and breathing testament to the history of the Cherokee Nation. The home gives visitors the unprecedented chance to view two historic structures spanning two centuries. Maj. Major Ridge Home is a beautifully-restored 1840's brick home situated on its original plantation site. Across the grassy field lays Chieftains Museum, owned by the Cherokee nation and dedicated to preserving and interpreting Native American artifacts.

Christ Church Episcopal is a beloved landmark that has stood for over two centuries. Built in 1820, the church has been a mainstay of spiritual life in the region and an important historical monument. It boasts many classic architectural details like carved wooden balconies, large fan windows, pedimented gables and an original bell tower. The church hosts frequent traditional services as well as special events throughout the year. In addition to its spiritual use.

The Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge, is a stunning relic of history that still stands today. the bridge has spanned Coheelee Creek since then, long outlasting its projected lifespan of 15 years. It was made possible by former slave Lewis W. Smith and his skilled carpentry work as well as generous donations from local citizens. Throughout the years, the Coheelee has been used for traveling throughout the state as well as for special events and locals come to enjoy its beautiful wooden architecture.

Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge, is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. Built in 1894, this single-span wooden bridge stands as one of the state’s oldest surviving covered bridges. The width of the bridge measures fifteen feet wide and sixty feet long and it is built over a small creek using rustic hand-hewn materials. In 1997 it was damaged by flooding in the area, but today it has been restored to its former condition with a fresh layer of siding and paint to keep it standing strong.

Dubignon Cottage, is a historic home that dates back to the early 19th century. Boasting the state's first ever central hallway layout and one of its oldest surviving Greek Revival exterior designs, it stands as a testament to the area's proud architectural heritage. Significant changes were made to the building in 1844 and 1858, including new windows and shutters, porches and porticos.

Dungeness Ruins is a unique landmark that is steeped in vibrant history. It was built by Nathanael Greene--a former Revolutionary War Major General--in 1784 as his retirement home. The structure combines neoclassical and Greek architectural styles with Palladian influences, featuring columned porticos, stunning gardens and specimen trees thought to have been transported from Greene's Virginia estate.

The Elder Mill Covered Bridge is a unique and charming structure that bridges the North Oconee River. It was built in 1904 and is still an important transportation link for the surrounding areas, as well as a popular spot for hikers, cyclists, and sightseers. Its 105-foot span is one of the longest single-lane covered bridges in the state. The bridge pays homage to its heritage with its design which features intricate latticework and diamond pattern trusses.

The Etowah Indian Mounds is home to six earthen mounds built by Woodland Indians between 1000 and 1550 AD. It consists of 54 acres of playgrounds, picnic areas, trails and a museum providing an interesting glimpse into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. The largest mound is 63 feet high, covers over 5 acres, and was used by chiefs for religious ceremonies. The three other mounds are smaller and served as burial sites for important leaders.