Madison Christmas Tour of Homes
It was a beautiful day to take this year’s annual Madison Christmas Tour of Homes! Friday, Nov.30, 2012 turned out to be a perfect day for the event. The tour is sponsored by Friends of Heritage Hall / Morgan County Historical Society and included both a Day tour and an Evening Candlelight tour. Most of the tour is in the Historic District of Madison and included private historic homes that are not normally opened to the public, as well as public, historic homes that are beautifully decorated for Christmas. Just walking around this gorgeous town and looking at all the Antebellum homes takes us back in time!
The tour began at Heritage Hall, which is opened to the public, and every spring and winter, a select number of homes are decorated and open for people to come and enjoy. Madison, Georgia has been a favorite place to visit for many of the Lake Oconee area residents, as well as people from all over the nation. It is known as the Town that Sherman Refused to Burn during the Civil War and the Madison Baptist Church basement was used by the northern troops to shelter their horses. Madison was spared from burning by Sherman on his march to the sea. Sherman spared the town because of his affiliation with the serving pro Union senator, Joshua Hill. Because of this connection, Madison has over 100 Antebellum homes that were spared during the war.
Madison was voted Prettiest Small Town in America by Holiday traveler Magazine. The town itself is decorated for the season and many people love to visit the specialty shops and antique stores. For those who would love to stay in an intriguing bed and breakfast, the Brady House downtown is the perfect place!
For those of you that love history, take one of the tours and visit Madison, Georgia!
madisonheritagehall@yahoo.com.
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(picture by Ellen Ianelli of the Madison CVB)
Attractions:
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center- Circa 1895
Known as the first graded school house in the Southeast, the Cultural Center now serves as the Arts focal point of the town and hosts a myriad of events throughout the year. Within, you may tour Madison’s rich history, museums and art galleries – Open Daily (except Mondays) – Available for special events (706) 342-4743 www.mmcc-arts.org
Morgan County African American Museum – Circa 1895
Preserving the heritage and promoting awareness of African American contributions to the culture of the South. – (706) 342-9191 www.mcaam.org
Heritage Hall – Circa 1811
Known as the ‘Antebellum Dame’ of Madison, you may enjoy daily tours of this mansion and exquisite antiques. – Available for special events (706) 342-9627 www.friendsofheritagehall.org
The Rogers House (Circa 1810) and Rose Cottage (Circa 1891)
Enjoy daily tours of these unique historic homes, located just behind the old courthouse on the square. (706) 342-9627 www.friendsofheritagehall.org
Steffen Thomas Musuem of Art
Tour the museum of sculptures and paintings by Steffen Thomas, Located just 5 minutes from Madison in the beautiful countryside of Buckhead. (706) 342-7557 www.steffenthomas.org
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