Chief Vann House

Called the "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation," this two-story classic mansion is one of the best-preserved Cherokee plantation homes. Built by James Vann in 1804, it was the first brick home within the Cherokee Nation. The mansion is decorated with beautiful hand carvings and features a remarkable "floating" staircase along with many fine antiques.

"Feared by many and loved by few," Vann was both a hero and a rogue, and he was responsible for bringing the Moravian missionaries into the Cherokee Nation to build schools. Yet, he killed his brother-in-law in a duel, fired a pistol at dinner guests through the floor of an upstairs bedroom, and once even shot at his own mother. Vann himself was shot and killed at a local tavern in 1809.

His son, Joseph, inherited the home and went on to become a Cherokee statesman. The Georgia Militia evicted "Rich Joe" Vann in 1835 for having unknowingly violated a new law making it illegal for Indians to hire whites. Joseph then settled in the Cherokee Territory in Oklahoma and lived there until his death from a steamboat explosion in 1844.

Directions: The Vann House is located 3 miles west of Chatsworth at the intersection of Hwy 225 and 52A. From I-75 take Exit 317 and go north on Hwy 225 (toward Chatsworth) for 19 miles. We are located conveniently at the foot of Fort Mountain State Park and only 17 miles from New Echota State Historic Site.

Hours Chief Vann House is Open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues. - Sat. 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Last mansion tour at 4:15 Tuesday-Saturday, and 4:45pm on Sunday. CLOSED MONDAYS (except on national holidays.) Closed Tuesday when open Monday. Call for current fees.

Chief Vann House State Historic Site
82 Georgia Highway 225 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-695-2598
706-517-4255 fax
vannhouse@alltel.net

 Nearby Attractions

New Echota State Historic Site (Cherokee capital)
Fort Mountain State Park
Cohutta Wilderness Area
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Chieftains Trail
Carter's Lake
Funk Heritage Center (Reinhardt College)
Red Clay State Historical Area
Chickamauga National Battlefield
Southern Highroads Trail