Q: Can you tell me about McDaniel Farm Park?
A: The 125-acre park is located behind Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth. It has two separate entrances.
“What is unique about this original piece of land is that it was obtained through the drawing in the 1820 land lottery and has remained intact for over 200 years,” according to Gwinnett County’s program supervisor Nathan Griswell.
“The land was passed down through generations and was a fully active farm until 1999 when the last member of the family (Archie McDaniel) who lived and worked on the farm passed,” he said.
Interested in the restored farm life depicted from days gone by? Head to the historic entrance.
Once you arrive, you will notice how quiet, well-kept and clean the area is. Quite a change from a couple of miles away.
As you enter the grounds, you will see displays of old farm tools: a sulky rake, disk hares, four disc cultivator and wheel weights, to name a few.
There are several gardens on the grounds. Popular crops grown in Georgia at the time were soybeans, corn, wheat, peanuts, cotton and grain sorghum. Pears and apples were also grown on the farm, and adjacent land was used for livestock.
Timber from the property was used to build the farmhouse in 1874.
A blacksmith shed, smokehouse, chicken coup, carriage house, tenant house, barn and a well house occupy the land as well.
From Trails.com: “When people think of antebellum Georgia, they picture the massive cotton plantations of the coast. In the Atlanta area, however, most agriculture before the Civil War was subsistence farming, raising enough corn and wheat to meet only the needs of the family.”
On a recent Sunday, a newly-engaged couple were having pictures taken on the bridge to celebrate their special day.
Photo sessions were in full swing at the farmhouse with about 16 miniature collies and their owners.
The park entrance hosts a farm-themed playground and a dog park (separate areas for small and large dogs).
There are three miles of paved trails and a few unpaved trails combined. Both parks contain a pavilion, restrooms, grills, picnic areas and benches.
“What is neat nowadays, is that it’s become a wildlife haven tucked away in between all the hustle and bustle of life,” Griswell said. “It’s a great place to walk around, enjoy the scenery and learn some history.”
The main park’s entrance is located at 3020 McDaniel Road, Duluth. The historic park is located at 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.
Visit gwinnettcounty.com or call (770) 814-4920. Park hours: Sunrise until sunset unless otherwise posted.
New to town or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email us your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com.
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