Many of the counties in metro Atlanta offer a taste of history unlike anything to be found inside the city limits.
For those in Gwinnett County, some of these destinations might be just around the corner, and for others, it’s definitely worth the drive.
Old Gwinnett County Courthouse
“It was built in 1885,” Gwinnett Historical Society Vice President Bill Baughman said. “Around the same time as the state Capitol in Atlanta. It’s been beautifully restored and it really is a fascinating place to visit.”
In downtown Lawrence-ville and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this brick structure boasts its original turret and clock tower. Inside there are 24-foot ceilings and antique chandeliers. Not used as a courthouse since 1985, today the site includes the restored court room and a military museum.
The second floor serves as home to the Gwinnett Historical Society. The building is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450, www.gwinnetths.org .
Elisha Winn House
The house was built “sometime in 1811,” Baughman said. “It’s the oldest building in Gwinnett and probably the oldest in metropolitan Atlanta.”
At the time of its construction, it was in what was then Jackson County. In 1818, a portion of Jackson where the house happened to be was used to create Gwinnett County. Elisha Winn, who had previously been a justice of what was then referred to as Inferior Court, took on the role for the fledgling county and the house became the center of government for Gwinnett.
Planning sessions were held in Winn’s backyard. Courtroom battles played out in the barn. Even the first county elections were held in Winn’s parlor.
The two-story, plantation-style home has been restored to 19th-century specifications and offers an authentic look at the past. The home is open from 10 a.m.-noon the second Saturday of the month. 908 Dacula Road, Dacula. 770-822-5174, www.gwinnetths.org .
Lawrenceville Female Seminary
The Lawrenceville Female Seminary opened its doors in 1838. That original structure, however, was destroyed by a fire sometime around 1850. The building that stands today, a practical and handsome two-story brick structure, was reconstructed with the help of the Lawrenceville Masonic Lodge sometime between 1853 and 1855. “Although it was sometimes referred to as a finishing school, which makes it sound like the girls learned to pour tea here, they actually studied the same type of academic subjects that boys studied,” said Kim Elmore, program leader at the seminary, which is part of the History and Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. From all indications, the Female Seminary closed its doors in 1888.
After it was almost sold to a Dairy Queen franchise in 1971, local residents banded together to have the seminary listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eventually it was restored and now serves as a special events facility and the home for the Gwinnett History Museum. The Seminary is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. 455 S. Perry St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5178, www.gwinnett ehc.org
Historic Gwinnett Tour
If you're interested in experiencing more of historic Gwinnett County, visit the the Gwinnett County History Museum, or use the museum's self-guided tour to make your own history road trip.
Regular hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call ahead or check the web site for dates when museum is closed. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 West Crogan Street on the square in downtown Lawrenceville, Ga.(770) 822-5174. www.gwinnetths.org.
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