Atlanta History Center

The Swan House is a classically styled mansion on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center. It is known as one of the most photographed places in Atlanta. We had a great tour of the mansion during our visit to the history center. The tour guide was delightful. Very informative and eager to answer all the questions. The house was built in 1928 by Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze. The house was the home to Edward and Emily Inman and gives wonderful insight into the life of an affluent Atlanta family in the early twentieth century.

Much of the furniture in the house is the original furniture that the Inmans used. Edward Inman enjoyed eagles and Emily enjoyed swans. You will find these two birds in carvings and decorations throughout the house. My favorite room was the family dining room that had a beautiful red chandelier and was painted in yellow with red insets in the niches. There was also some of the china that belonged to the Inmans on display on the shelves.

The photo below is one that I took of the front of Swan house and the photo above with the columns is the back of the house.


Atlanta Georgia by mbgphoto

Swan House by mbgphoto

The Swan Coach house originally was a place to keep the cars and wagons and had a servants quarters. Today it houses a restaurant and gift shop.


Swan Coach House by mbgphoto

The Tullie Smith farm shows you life on a mid-nineteenth century farm. You can enjoy a tour of the farm with costumed docents or you may explore the farm grounds on your own. The farm includes a restored farmhouse and many of the traditional outbuildings you would find during the nineteenth century. You will see an open-hearth kitchen, the smokehouse, blacksmith shop, double corncrib and a cabin.

We didn't have time for the guided tour on this trip but enjoyed a walk around the grounds.

This Victorian playhouse is located on the grounds of the history center. It was originally built in downtown Atlanta in the 1890's. It has been moved to various parks over the years and in 1980 it was donated to the Atlanta Historical Society and put on display at the history center. The style shows a period between the time of the Tullis Smith farm and the Swan house.

The museum has a very interesting display of civil war artifacts, photographs and videos. The story of the civil war from both the Union and Confederate artifacts and photos are shown in the museum.

The grounds of the history center are a wonderful place to take a stroll. You will find beautiful plants, sculptures, and great trails to explore.


Atlanta History Center Grounds by mbgphoto

Atlanta History Center by mbgphoto