Connect with History
Historic Visits in Rabun
Uptown - Downtown: Rabun Communities
The Cherokee settled in several villages in present day Rabun County, trading and working together. The paths they created intersected at what is now Clayton, the county seat. Those paths are now meandering roads, Highway 441 and 76, connecting towns and villages for thousands of visitors each year. Renovated and restored 1900’s buildings with shops, restaurants, such as the renowned Fortify Kitchen & Bar, and galleries greet you at Historic Lakemont Village. The tiny town of Tiger may have gotten its name from a Cherokee chief. Formerly a cattle ranch, Sky Valley features golf, swimming, tennis, hiking, and fishing in its resort community. Since the early 1900’s people have flocked to Tallulah Falls for a look at the spectacular canyon and falls. Mountain City on the Continental Divide is home to the Foxfire Museum and the beautiful Black Rock Mountain State Park. The vibrant town square in Dillard has shops, restaurants and features the historic Dillard House.
All Aboard! The Tallulah Falls Railroad Museum
At the turn of the 20th century you could hear the clickety-clack of the train as it ran the line from Tallulah Falls to Franklin, NC. In those days Tallulah Falls was a tourist destination from folks all around. The train was integral in getting Tallulah Falls on the map. The railroad was a huge boost to the community and tourism reigned until the first dam was built in 1913. The Tallulah Falls Railroad offered passenger service until 1946 and the line was discontinued in 1961. The Tallulah Falls Railroad Museum was built by students of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. The museum is filled with artifacts and photographs from the railroad and surrounding events of the day. Of particular note is the full-sized locomotive on a two-foot track along with a passenger car, flatbed car and a caboose. The museum is a perfect stop for history buffs and train enthusiasts. The time to board is now; I can hear the conductor yell, “All Aboard!”
Step back in history to a time when settlers were just beginning to make their homes in what is now Rabun County Georgia. The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center is a gathering of 20 historic log cabins that give us a glimpse into life as it was for pioneers at that time. Imagine what it must have been like: traipsing over the mountains, rivers, and valleys; picking a suitable spot and then starting to fall trees and scrape logs to build a small, but functional cabin. A visit to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center will let you experience how our forefathers made a way of life for themselves. What's most amazing about Foxfire is that is has been born out of a student English class where the students interviewed locals about life in the Appalachian Mountains, capturing history and learning to write all at the same time. Decades later students are still active in activities such as relocating cabins, building, and collecting artifacts. There are activities such as walking tours, spinning and knitting demonstrations, handmade crafts and more. Foxfire is now a renowned organization across the nation and internationally. Visit the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center you just might find some inspiration from centuries ago lifestyles.
Discover Pioneering in Georgia – Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
Hambidge Center – Where Water and Stone Meet
In today’s world we want everything in a moment’s notice; we are an instant society. The Hambidge Center invites you to step back in time a bit and experience the nostalgia and practices of days gone by. Baker’s Creek Mill, part of the Hambidge Center, is open the first Saturday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. offering a demonstration of the centuries-old mill. Still active, providing organic flours and corn meals, this mill dates back to the mid 1800s. The mill is powered by a 12-foot water wheel and is managed by volunteer millers. The Saturday event includes a brief history of the mill and a demonstration of how the mill works to turn two flint/granite stones to grind flour and meal. Grits and cornmeal will be available for sale at the mill. Also at the Hambidge Center are miles of trails, an art gallery, and other interesting displays. Visit the mill, watch the creek turn the wheel and then explore – trails, art and more.
History and Her Story
There’s a lot more to Northern Georgia than beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. For history buffs and intellectuals, there are many different museums and historic sites available to stimulate any active mind. The Lillian E. Smith Center is devoted to the woman who once inhabited this building as her home and office. She was a writer and activist from the early 20th century who challenged white supremacy, racial segregation and the role of women in the South. Visit the Center at Piedmont College for an educational tour or artist retreat. The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to the history of English and Writing in Rabun Gap. A young teacher was brainstorming ideas on how to involve students in a way that captured their attention and creativity. He created the idea of a magazine called "Foxfire," with articles dedicated to the pioneer days of Appalachia. His idea turned into something much larger than his classroom, and forever changed the way students, residents, visitors, readers, and writers connect the past to the present. Visit the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center to learn more about the iconic change in Rabun Gap's literate history.
