During your visit to Cannonball House & Museum, enjoy a guided tour of Cannonball House, the original two-story Brick Kitchen and Servants Quarters and the Gardens to learn about the history of the historic property and Macon, Georgia’s role in the Civil War. In the Gift Shop you can browse through a unique selection of collectibles.
The Cannonball House
Your guided tour will begin in the Main Foyer of the Cannonball House. Entirely furnished to the 1850s, the house’s high ceilings and a striking 36” pier mirror will catch your eyes as you learn about unique pieces in the room including a leaning grandfather clock that stands beside one of two crushed velvet covered set teas. In the Parlors, you’ll find marble mantles, gold gilded mirrors and antique furniture. Ascending the large stairway enter the house’s Family Room where family activities of the day would have been enjoyed. Descending the stairs, you will proceed to the rear of the house and enter its Formal Dining Room. Hanging from the walls are large pieces of ornate artwork. At the center of room is a large dining table decked in silver serving sets. A highlight of the Formal Dining Room is a crystal churn accompanying a sterling silver pitcher and dipper which survived the invasion of the Union Army. Dedicated to former owner of the Cannonball House, Judge Asa Holt, is Judge Asa Holt’s Room. Most of the furniture in the room was owned by the Holt family and dates back to the mid 19th century. Discover a large bureau, a beautiful chest of drawers and a marble top table with chairs. Windows in Judge Asa Holt’s Room offer views of downtown Macon and the chance to learn about the path of the shell which struck the home in 1864. In the Ladies Bedroom, a modest bed covered by a hand tatted spread sits to the corner of the room and beautiful hand fans hang from the walls. Other items in the Ladies Bedroom include a wardrobe and chest of drawers and a silver mirror and brush set. Originally an open sleeping porch, the Confederate Museum is a quaint little room that tells the story of Macon’s efforts as an industrialized center for the war through artifacts displayed throughout. Artifacts in the Macon museum include uniforms, weapons, accouterments used by Confederate Soldiers of Middle Georgia, flags, metals and letters.
Brick Kitchen and Servants Quarter
A short walk from the Cannonball House is the Brick Kitchen and Servants Quarters. Learn about the slaves who lived and cooked in the Brick Kitchen and Servants Quarter. Costumed interpreters can often be found in the Brick House sat astride unseeded cotton and cotton combs to tell the story of thread production and weaving.
Gardens
Gardens at the Cannonball House & Museum are almost constantly in bloom offering year- round beauty. Delight in a sunken garden representing an early English garden style brought over by early settlers and an herb and vegetable garden. Several historic pieces in the garden include a railing where Confederate President Jefferson Davis addressed the people of Macon and a bronze cannon barrel.
Stop by the Gift Shop for gifts and keepsakes. Jellies, honey and preserves, books, jewelry, toys and ornamental collections are available to purchase. If you are looking for an unusual treat try Cannonball House & Museum’s Frog Jam or Toe Jam.
Travel Tip
- The Cannonball House & Museum features special exhibits throughout the year.