Tours
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Historic Homes Information
Barrington King was instrumental in the development of the successful textile mills of the Roswell Manufacturing Company, a leading supplier of goods to the Confederacy. Six of Barrington King's sons served in the Confederate forces; 2 were killed and 2 were injured. This photo is of the Ice House that is still located on the grounds of Barrington Hall. Click here for Barrington Hall King Cotton video.
At Bulloch Hall, the reconstruction of this slave cabin, with its living quarters and exhibit, provides opportunities to explore and recognize the role of African-American slaves in the history of Roswell. This exhibit is dedicated to their legacy. Click here for Bulloch Hall video.
Slave Dwelling: This building is representative of a slave dwelling at the Archibald Smith Plantation Home. Though the exact age of the structure is unknown, it is believed to be one of the oldest on the site. It is believed to have been used by slaves who cleared the land prior to the construction of the Plantation Home in 1845. In 1940, Archibald Smith's grandson, Arthur, made alterations to a number of structures on the plantation site. He may have removed a fireplace and chimney from this structure and replaced them with a glass paned window. Only house servants would have occupied cabins located this close to the main home. Field hands would have lived closer to the fields in which they worked.
Plan your visit of the Southern Trilogy Homes where you will experience the authentic American South. Tours are available year-round. We look forward to sharing our culture and heritage with you.
Roswell Mills and Old Mill Park
On the banks of Vickery's Creek, ruins of the Roswell Mills can be found. The largest mill building was constructed in 1853 and the area is now a city park. A few hundred feet down stream from that location, is the site of Roswell's first cotton mill which was built in 1839. These mills were burned by Union forces on July 7, 1864, with the help of some of the Roswell Mill employees. Only the 1853 mill was rebuilt after the war and used until destroyed by fire again in 1926. These mills were known as the Roswell Manufacturing Company. The mill seen today was built in 1882 as an addition to the complex. Today, the Roswell Mill houses offices and an events facility.
Lost Mill Workers of Roswell
Theophile Roche, a French citizen, had been employed by the cotton mills and later the woolen mill. In an attempt to save the mills, he flew a French flag in hopes of claiming neutrality. However, the letters "CSA" (Confederate States of America) were found on cloth being produced. For two days the mill was spared, but on July 7, after it was proven that the claim of being neutral was false, General Sherman ordered everyone connected with the mill to be charged with treason. The nearby cotton mill was also destroyed. Mill workers, mostly women and children since the men were fighting the war, were arrested, charged with treason and sent north to uncertain fates. One of the women involved in this tragedy was pregnant and working as a seamstress at the mill. She was sent north to Chicago and left to fend for herself. It would take five years before she and her daughter would return, on foot, to Roswell, only to find that her husband had remarried because he thought she was dead. A monument, dedicated to the 400 women and children, is located in the park on Sloan Street.
Roswell Town Square
"I repeat my orders that you arrest all people, male and female, connected with those factories, no matter what the clamor, and let them foot it, under guard, to Marietta, whence I will send them by cars to the North ... The poor women will make a howl."
The 400 Roswell mill workers (mostly women and children) who were charged with treason were held overnight, under guard, in the Town Square until they could be sent by wagons to Marietta and transported by train to the north. The Town Square is also the setting for President Theodore Roosevelt's visit to Roswell. The crowds gathered here and he also visited his mother's childhood home, Bulloch Hall where he was reminiscent of the stories she had told him as a child.
Teaching Museum-North
793 Mimosa Blvd.
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 552-6339
www.teachingmuseumnorth.org
Exhibits of political, social, and historical interests document the history of the United States, Georgia, and Roswell. Featuring U.S. Presidents, Georgia Authors, Women in the White House, Transportation, World War II, Anne Frank Exhibit, and more. Normally open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call to confirm hours and admission.
770-640-3253 or 800-776-7935
The Heritage Center at Roswell Visitors Bureau houses exhibits showcasing the history of the Roswell Mills and Mill Life. Part of the Roswell Visitors Center, the exhibits are open to the public; free of charge.
Faces of War Memorial
Located in the Memorial Garden at Roswell City Hall , this life-size sculpture depicts 50 faces cast in bronze, all touched by war and showing an array of emotions. From the chaos of war steps a little girl, representing the future. This monument is dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War and is the site of Georgia’s largest Memorial Day Ceremony.
Machine Shop
The 1853 Machine Shop is the only extant building left of the original 1839 Roswell Manufacturing Company. The building is a two story brick building and is late Georgian in style. The trail to the left of the Machine Shop will lead to the old mill ruins and the dam.
Roswell Historical Society/
City of Roswell Research Library and Archives
950 Forest Street
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 594-6405
Second floor of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
Open Mon. & Thurs., 1-4:30 pm.
Cemeteries
Roswell Historic Cemeteries:
Old Roswell Cemetery (1848)
Woodstock & Alpharetta Street
Once known as the Methodist Cemetery, this burial site holds over 2,000 graves. Still and active cemetery.
(see downloadable brochure with map)
Founder's Cemetery (1840)
(Sloan Street)
Roswell's first public cemetery, among the graves are those for Roswell King and Major James Stephens Bulloch.
(see downloadable brochure with map)
Presbyterian Church Cemetery (1840)
Atlanta Street
Contains the graves of many of the town founders, including members of the King, smith and Pratt families.
(see downloadable brochure with map)
Pleasant Hill Cemetery (1855)
Old Roswell Place
Established when African-American members of the Lebanon Baptist Church organized their own church.
