We enjoyed a field trip to the Chief Vann House Historic Site in Chatsworth, GA as part of our US History.
During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, covering 1,000 acres of what is now Murray County. In 1804 he completed construction of a beautiful 2 ½-story brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son Joseph inherited the mansion and plantation. Joseph was also a Cherokee leader and became even more wealthy than his father.
In the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous Trail of Tears. The Vann family lost their elegant home, rebuilding in the Cherokee Territory of Oklahoma. Today the Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a remarkable “floating” staircase, a 12-foot mantle and fine antiques.
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| Water shed |
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| Ummm... Outdoor facilities! |
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| Dining Room - half of the wood floor is the original wood |
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| Joseph Vann |
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| Antique desk used by the last owner, a doctor. On the desk is a copy of the Cherokee newspaper. |
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| Sitting Room |
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| Piano - Look closely at the candles. The wood pulls out to bring more light. |
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| Floating staircase |
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| Landing on floating staircase. The burn mark was made when soldiers threw a burning log there to force the Vann family guests to leave the home in the 1830's. |
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| Indoor plumbing |
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| The home has been restored to the original colors. The Vann's, and Cherokee as a whole, painted with vibrant colors. |
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| Steep staircase to the third floor bedroom. |
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| View from original front of home |
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| Old time flashlight! |
