Chief Vann House State Historic Site - Chatsworth, GA




Rating

Overview

Called the "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation," this two-story classic brick mansion was built by Chief James Vann in 1804. Decorated with beautiful Cherokee hand carvings done in natural hues of blue, red, green, and yellow, the home features a cantilevered stairway and many fine antiques.
Although Vann was "feared by many and loved by few," he contributed more to the education of Cherokee leaders than anyone else. He was responsible for bringing the Moravian missionaries to his people to teach children, and he believed Christian civilization was a means of progress for the Cherokee. Vann was a polygamist who had three wives and five children. He was killed in 1809 for having shot his brother-in-law during a duel the previous year. Vann's young son, Joseph, inherited the house and his father's various businesses.
The Vann House passed out of the family's hands when "Rich Joe" Vann unknowingly violated state law by hiring a white man to work for him. The government seized his properties, and the house was awarded to a white land lottery winner in 1834.  

Activities & Amenities

Picnicking

Museum

Annual Events

Artifact Identification (May)
Pioneer Heritage Day (July)
Cherokee Indian Heritage Day (September)
Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)

Nearby Attractions

Fort Mountain State Park New Echota State Historic Site (Cherokee Capital)
Cohutta Wilderness Area Red Clay State Historical Area
Carters Lake Chieftains Trail

Park Times and Information

HOURS:
Tuesday - Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 2 pm-5:30 pm
Closed Monday (except legal holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open Monday.

Bus parking available

Chief Vann House State Historic Site
82 Georgia Highway 225 North
(706) 695-2598
(706) 517-4255 fax

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
205 Butler Street, Suite 1352 East
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Park Pass Information

A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is required.  The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays are free days.   Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior discounts available) or by calling (404) 657-9851. Group rates available with advance notice.

Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept.