"Defend yourselves, the enemy is at your door ... " thundered Robert Toombs from the Senate floor on January 24, 1860. It was a turning point in history. Rejecting moderation, Toombs would use his influence to lead Georgia to secession and the war. The story of Toombs' participation in the events of the Civil War is told in exhibits at his restored and furnished home.

A successful planter and lawyer, Toombs led a turbulent career as state legislator, U. S. congressman and senator. With ambitions of becoming president of the confederacy, he resented Jefferson Davis' election. Toombs reluctantly accepted appointment as Secretary of State before resigning to take a commission in the Army of Northern Virginia. When his Napoleonic ambitions were frustrated, the embittered General Toombs resigned and spent the remainder of the war years in Washington, Georgia, brooding and criticizing the Confederate government.

In 1870, as the Reconstruction Era drew to a close in Georgia, Toombs felt that Georgia should live under a constitution of her own making. His last service to Georgia citizens was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945. Visitors are welcome to tour the house and grounds, view exhibits and displays, and enjoy a dramatic film portraying an elderly Toombs relating his story to a young reporter.

HOURS:

Tues. - Sat. 9am - 5pm;

Closed Sunday, Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

COST:

$1.75-$3.00

Group Rates available with advance notice