Milledgeville: Literary History, Architecture and Nature

When planning your trip, you can choose from different focuses in Milledgeville: literary heritage, historic architecture, self-guided tours or nature experiences. Some activities have set tour times or seasonal availability that you should take into account when planning.

Literature, Architecture and City History

Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion was completed in 1839 in the High Greek Revival style. From 1839 to 1868, the building served as a residence for eight of Georgia's heads of government and their families. Georgia's Old Capitol Building was the seat of the state government from 1807 to 1868. In early 1861, it was also the site of Georgia's secession convention. Together, the two buildings represent different aspects of the state's history: its former seat of government and the governors' residence.

In the Historic District, walks, drives and bike rides showcase the neighborhood's architecture and heritage. Many Antebellum-era homes and buildings still stand as landmarks today. Milledgeville's self-guided Historic Walking Tour offers a specific route, passing more than 40 homes from this period.

Andalusia Farm is a National Historic Landmark located about four miles northwest of Milledgeville in Baldwin County, Georgia. The 544-acre property includes the house where Flannery O'Connor lived, as well as outbuildings, tenant houses, a livestock pond, fields and woods. During the 13 years O'Connor lived at Andalusia, she completed two novels and 32 short stories in the Southern Gothic genre. The site connects the property's history with a clearly defined period in the writer's life and work.

The Sallie Ellis Davis House was home to a dedicated educator from Baldwin County. Throughout her career, she worked as a teacher and principal at Eddy School. The Eddy Neighborhood Walking Tour highlights nine important people and places. The Powell Building of Central State Hospital offers another historical perspective: it was the original building of the Georgia Lunatic Asylum when the facility opened in 1842.

Tours and Nature Experiences

Memory Hill Cemetery connects the graves of people associated with the history of Milledgeville and Georgia to a self-guided tour: the tour covers 47 points of interest. Those buried there include governors, legislators, college presidents, enslaved people and soldiers. The Central State Hospital African-American Cemetery is significant to African American heritage and the social history of Milledgeville and Georgia; it was established specifically for the burial of African American patients. Visitors park at the Mary Brown Pavilion and enter behind the Pavilion.

The Central State Campus Driving Tour is a self-guided visitor experience with twelve points of interest. Audio playback is available at every stop. This lets you explore each site at your own pace rather than following a guided tour.

At Lockerly Arboretum, visitors can walk along paths, picnic at tables near the pond, and observe birds and wildlife. The Oconee River Greenway offers riverside trails, boardwalks, several individual fishing spots and a boat ramp. Nearly three miles of paved trails, boardwalks and paths run along the Oconee River there. The Oconee River is navigable by canoe or kayak in many sections; conditions may vary.

Exhibits and Planning Your Visit

Heritage Hall features exhibits on history and culture. These include memorabilia related to Milledgeville's contributions to Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Southern Rock and Soul. Through Georgia College's special collections, Heritage Hall also documents the history and culture of Milledgeville, Baldwin County and the surrounding counties. The John Marlor Art Center houses the Marlor Art Gallery and also offers art camps and workshops for all ages.

Rose Hill offers guided tours on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; availability is seasonal. The Central State Hospital Museum and the Seeking Asylum exhibit are open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or by appointment. The photo exhibit features images of Central State Hospital and areas that are no longer accessible to the public. Check visiting hours before your arrival. The William P. Wall Museum of Natural History has been closed since May 2025 for two years and is expected to reopen in January 2027. Check its status before your trip as well.

For the broader travel overview: Baldwin County.