Historic House Museums

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Roswell began with the discovery of Vickery Creek by Roswell King.

Barrington Hall

Barrington Hall is the home of Barrington King, son of Roswell King, the founder of Roswell. You can tour this home strategically built on the highest point, overlooking the town. Today, this home is recognized as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. It is also listed as one of Atlanta’s 50 Most Beautiful Homes. Barrington Hall has the only antebellum garden in metro Atlanta that is open to the public. Also located on the magnificent grounds are the smokehouse, ice house, a barn, and two wells.

Bulloch Hall

Bulloch Hall is considered one of the most significant homes in Georgia. Here, Mittie Bulloch grew up, met a young man from the prominent Roosevelt family of New York, and captured his heart. In this home, the couple wed at Christmas time in 1853. This was the union that produced U.S. President, Teddy Roosevelt. The couple’s other son, Elliott, fathered Eleanor, who became the wife of Franklin and served as our nation’s most beloved First Lady. On the reconstructed service grounds are slave cabins and a carriage house. One of the cabins showcases living quarters and exhibits that provide opportunities to explore and recognize the role of African Americans in the history of Roswell. This exhibit is dedicated to their legacy.

Smith Plantation

Smith Plantation is the home of Archibald Smith who traveled to Roswell in 1845 with his wife, children, and thirty slaves. They built their home on a 300+ acre plantation. Tragedy struck when Smith’s eldest son, Willie, was killed during the Civil War. Perhaps it was Willie’s death that caused the family to hold tight to their other possessions. Whatever the reason, Smith Plantation is filled with the family’s original artifacts. See how time has altered this home from the time of slaves working in the fields to a day in 1986 when the family’s descendants sold the home to the City of Roswell on the strict condition that the family’s maid, Mamie Cotton, be allowed to live in the house for the remainder of her life. Smith Plantation is complete with a parson’s room and 10 original outbuildings, among them slave quarters and a spring house.

Guided tours are offered by appointment for schools and groups at a ticketed price. Guided tours generally last 40 minutes for each historic house museum. Staff recommend planning at least 90 minutes for each site. For information regarding tours of the Historic House Museums, please contact Jenny Goldemund at jgoldemund@roswellgov.com.

The grounds and gardens of all sites are open from sunrise to sunset.

Historic House Museums Operating Hours:

Barrington Hall: Open Friday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm; Closed Monday - Thursday

Bulloch Hall: Open Thursday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm; Closed Monday - Wednesday

Smith Plantation: Open Thursday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm; Closed Monday - Wednesday