Historic Farmstead, Tattnall County

Tattnall County GA Historic Farmstead Photograph Copyright Briian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2015

This is a great example of an intact early-20th-century farmstead. Its scope is more evident when viewed from a distance but it looks great from any angle.

Tatnall County GA DL Dutton Road Historic Farmstead Tobacco Barns Cracker House Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2015

The tobacco barns probably date to the middle of the last century and though not evident in this photograph, the one in the foreground is leaning badly. The “Cracker” style double-pen farmhouse is the real highlight of the property, though. The owners have done a great job in keeping it authentic and stabilized.

Tattnall County GA Cracker Double Pen House Iconic Southern Architecture Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2015

The plain double-pen style house is usually seen as an icon of Cracker culture and appears in various incarnations throughout the South. Multiple definitions of Cracker are debated, some negative and some positive, but the broader implication is that a cracker is simply a rural Southern farmer, usually of limited means but very self-reliant and always a devout defender of his land.

 

1 thought on “Historic Farmstead, Tattnall County

  1. Deborah McSwain

    True about the Georgia “Crackers”, and these settlers and their offspring were tough folks!
    FYI: In Florida, “Cracker” is the name given to describe cow wranglers/herders who cracked their whips loudly & skillfully solely to maneuver cattle in the direction needed to get to their next destination, whether it was to a new grazing area or going to sell cattle at a market. (The cattle aren’t harmed or physically touched by the whips). That was a big deal when there were no fences & cattle were “free range”. There is still an annual “Cattle Drive”, which takes a few days

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