Visting the Historic Plantations of ‘Gone With The Wind’

Gone With The Wind is a classic movie that has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The plantation house, known as Tara, played a pivotal role in the movie and added to its charm. For those who are interested in visiting the plantation house or experiencing the magic of Gone With The Wind, here is a guide to everything you need to know about the plantation house.

Located in Covington, Georgia, Twelve Oaks was used as the model for the Wilkes family home in the classic Oscar-winning movie. The mansion was built in 1836 and was chosen by author Margaret Mitchell as the model for Ashley Wilkes’ Twelve Oaks in the film. Today, the mansion is up for sale and can be yours to own. It is a historic Georgia mansion that has inspired the location for Twelve Oaks in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind”.

Gone With The Wind fans in search of Tara, the O’Hara plantation house, will need to travel 30 minutes south of Atlanta to the “Official Home of Gone With The Wind”, Clayton County, where Margaret Mitchell set much of the novel.

An old plantation house outside Jonesboro, which still stands and is known locally as the Fitzgerald Place, was once the home of her great‐grandfather, Philip Fitzgerald. In her novel, Margaret Mitchell gave Fitzgerald Place the fictional name of Tara, and it became the family home of Scarlett O’Hara.

The Road to Tara Museum in Clayton County features a replica of Tara, as well as other memorabilia from the movie, including costumes and props. The museum offers guided tours and is a must-visit for any fan of Gone With The Wind.uided tours are available for visitors who want to experience the magic of Gone With The Wind. Visitors can take a tour of the Road to Tara Museum, which includes a visit to the replica of Tara. Additionally, visitors can take a tour of the Fitzgerald Place, which was the inspiration for Tara in the novel.

Gone With The Wind is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The plantation house, known as Tara, played a pivotal role in the movie and added to its charm. Today, visitors can experience the magic of Gone With The Wind by visiting the Road to Tara Museum and taking a tour of the Fitzgerald Place. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply curious, a visit to the plantation house is a must-do for anyoe who loves the movie.

The Plantation Used in ‘Gone with the Wind’

The iconic movie Gone with the Wind, based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. One of the most memorable settings in the film is the Wilkes family home, which was modeled after the Twelve Oaks plantation.

Located in Covington, Georgia, Twelve Oaks served as the inspiration for the grandeur and elegance of the Wilkes’ home. The plantation was built in 1836 and has snce undergone several renovations to maintain its historical significance. The stunning antebellum-style mansion boasts 10,000 square feet of living space, complete with 12-foot ceilings, original heart pine floors, and ornate chandeliers.

In the movie, Twelve Oaks is depicted as a bustling plantation with sprawling grounds and a vibrant social scene. Today, visitors can tour the property and see firsthand the grandeur and beauty that inspired the iconic movie setting.

To summarize, Twelve Oaks plantation in Covington, Georgia, was used as the model for the Wilkes family home in the classic movie Gone with the Wind. The plantation is a stunning example of antebellum architecture and continues to captivate visitors with its historical significance and beauty.

gone with the wind plantation
Source: today.com

Location of Tara Plantation in Gone with the Wind

The Tara plantation, famously featured in the novel and film “Gone with the Wind”, is located in Clayton County, Georgia. Fans of the book and movie can visit the Road to Tara Museum, which is the official home of “Gone with the Wind”. The museum is situated about 30 minutes south of Atlanta, where Margaret Mitchell set much of the novel. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and learn more about the history behind the iconic plantation and its role in the story.

Scarlett O’Hara’s Plantation

Scarlett O’Hara, the main character of Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel “Gone with the Wind,” lived on a fictional plantation known as Tara. However, the inspiration for this plantation was an actual plantation located outside Jonesboro, Georgia, known as the Fitzgerald Place. The Fitzgerald Place was the home of Margaret Mitchell’s great-grandfather, Philip Fitzgerald, and still stands to this day.

It is important to note that while Tara is a fictional plantation, Margaret Mitchell drew heavily from her own family history and experiences growing up in the South to create the setting and characters of “Gone with the Wind.” This includes the depiction of plantation life, the Civil War, and Reconstruction era.

The Fitzgerald Place, also known as Tara, was a typical Southern plantation with a large white house, expansive grounds, and numerous slaves. It was passed down thrugh the Fitzgerald family until it was eventually sold in the 20th century. Despite being a fictional location, Tara has become an iconic symbol of the antebellum South and remains a popular tourist destination for fans of “Gone with the Wind.”

Scarlett O’Hara lived on the fictional plantation of Tara, which was inspired by the real-life Fitzgerald Place outside Jonesboro, Georgia. While Tara is a work of fiction, it draws heavily from the author’s own experiences and the history of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

Was Twelve Oaks a Real Plantation?

Twelve Oaks was a real plantation. It was located in Clayton County, Georgia and was built in 1836 by a man named Colonel Robert Alston. The plantation was named aftr the twelve large oak trees that surrounded the property.

The mansion on the plantation, which was the inspiration for Ashley Wilkes’ Twelve Oaks in the film “Gone with the Wind”, is a two-story Greek Revival-style home with six large columns in the front. It is a historic property that has been preserved and restored over the years.

It is important to note that while the plantation was a real place, the characters and events depicted in “Gone with the Wind” are fictional. The book was published in 1936 and the film was released in 1939. The movie was filmed in various locations, including California and Georgia, but the actual Twelve Oaks plantation was not used as a filming location.

Twelve Oaks was a real plantation located in Clayton County, Georgia. The mansion on the plantation was the inspiration for the Twelve Oaks in “Gone with the Wind”, but the characters and events depicted in the book and movie are fictional.

Twelve Oaks Plantation in ‘Gone With The Wind’

The plantation home used as Twelve Oaks in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind” is located in Covington, Georgia. The mansion, originally built in 1836, was acquired by Savannah couple Anthony Tippins and Natalie Powlas in an auction in 2019. Since then, it has been transformed into a successful Bed and Breakfast.

The home’s historical significance lies in its role in the iconic film, where it served as Ashley Wilkes’ plantation home. The film, set durng the American Civil War, was based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name and remains a cultural touchstone for many.

Visitors to the Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast can expect to experience a slice of history in a luxurious setting. The mansion boasts 12 rooms, each furnished with period-appropriate decor and antiques. In addition to its historical significance, the property is also known for its beautiful gardens and relaxing pool area.

For fans of “Gone with the Wind,” a visit to Twelve Oaks is a must-see. The property’s ties to the film are sure to delight and transport visitors back in time to the antebellum South.

gone with the wind plantation
Source: architecturaldigest.com

The Oldest Plantation Still Standing

The oldest plantation sill standing in the United States is Shirley Plantation, located in Charles City, Virginia. This historic plantation was founded in 1613 after a royal land grant was awarded, carving out the plantation from the Virginia frontier. As a result, Shirley Plantation has a rich and extensive history, spanning over four centuries.

Shirley Plantation is not only the oldest plantation still standing in the United States, but it is also the oldest family-owned business in North America. Edward Hill I began farming in Charles City along the James River in 1638, and his descendants have continued to own and operate the plantation ever since.

Shirley Plantation has been well-preserved over the years, and it is now open to visitors who can explore the plantation’s grounds and learn about its history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation and its gardens, which include a boxwood maze, and also learn about the plantation’s involvement in the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Shirley Plantation is the oldest plantation still standing in the United States and the oldest family-owned business in North America, with a rich and fascinating history that spans over four centuries.

The Significance of the Name ‘Tara’ for a Plantation

The plantation was called Tara after the Hill of Tara, which was once the capital of ancient Ireland. The owner of the plantation, Gerald, was an Irish peasant farmer who had migrated to Georgia. He desired to become a planter and gave his mostly uncultivated lands the grandiose name of Tara. The name was a nod to his Irish heritage and his desire to create a prosperous plantation. Although the plantation was located in Georgia, its name reflected its owner’s roots and aspirations.

Is Tara Plantation a Real Place?

Tara plantation, the iconic antebellum mansion featured in the classic movie “Gone with the Wind,” is not a real home. The structure was actually an exterior Hollywood set built in California in 1939. The facade sat on a movie lot for 20 years until it was torn down by studio owner Desi Arnaz, who then sold the pieces. Despite not being a real home, Tara plantation still holds a special place in American pop culture and continues to be a popular tourist attraction for fans of the movie.

The Big House on a Plantation

The “Big House” was the name given to the planter’s residence on a plantation. This building was the most prominent and largest structure on the plantation, oten adorned with stylish architectural features such as columned porticos. The Big House was highly visible due to its size and position, and it served as the primary icon of plantation identity. Slaves, who referred to it as the “Big House,” recognized its importance and saw it as a symbol of the planter’s wealth and power. The Big House was also a place where important guests were entertained and where social events were held. It was a crucial element of plantation life and represented the wealth and status of the planter.

big house gone with the wind 1680978596

Current Ownership of Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation is currently owned and operated by the Oak Alley Foundation, whch is a non-profit organization established in 1979 by Mrs. Josephine Armstrong Stewart. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and maintain the historic site for future generations to enjoy and to educate the public about the history of the plantation and the people who lived and worked there.

After purchasing the property in 1925, Mrs. Stewart embarked on a mission to restore the deteriorating plantation house and grounds to their former grandeur. She also began collecting artifacts and furnishings from the plantation’s past, which are now on display in the house and in the plantation’s museum.

Today, Oak Alley Plantation is a popular tourist destination and educational resource, attracting visitors from around the world who come to learn about the plantation’s history, architecture, and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there. The foundation continues to operate the site with the support of private donations, grants, and revenue generated from admissions and other activities.

The Most Famous Plantation Owner

One of the most famous plantation owners in American history was Joshua John Ward, who hailed from Georgetown County, South Carolina. Ward was not only a successful planter, but also held the distinction of bing the largest American slaveholder, earning him the nickname “the king of the rice planters”.

Ward’s wealth and power were built on the labor of enslaved people, who toiled on his vast rice plantations. He owned more than 1,000 enslaved individuals at the height of his plantation empire, and his wealth was estimated to be around $50 million in today’s dollars.

Despite his immense wealth and influence, Ward’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the brutal system of slavery that underpinned the southern economy in the 19th century. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of plantation wealth and the ongoing legacy of slavery in American history.

Some of the other notable plantation owners in American history include Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison, among others. These individuals were also slaveholders, and their legacies are similarly complicated by their participation in the institution of slavery.

The Owner of the Largest Plantation in North Carolina

The largest plantation in North Carolina was owned by the Bennehan-Cameron family. This family claimed ownership over approximately 30,000 acres of land, which was one of the largest plantations in the state. The plantation was called Historic Stagville and it is now a state historic site. The family also claimed ownership over about 900 people who were enslaved on this property. This vast number of enslaved people worked on the plantation, cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The Bennehan-Cameron family played a significant role in the history of North Carolina, particularly in the state’s agricultural and economic development.

The Oldest Plantation House in the United States

Drayton Hall, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is considered to be the oldest preserved former plantation site house in the United States. Built in 1738, Drayton Hall is a prime example of Georgian-Palladian architecture, which was popular during the 18th century. The house is situated on a 630-acre property that was once a thriving plantation.

Drayton Hall has a rich history and has survived centuries of wars, natural disasters, and changes in ownership. The house has been carefully restored and preserved over the years, and today it is open to the public for tours and educational programs.

The architecture of Drayton Hall is a significant feature that makes it unique. The house has a symmetrical design with a central entrance and two wings on either side. The interior of the house features ornate plasterwork, beautiful wood paneling, and intricate carvings. The house also has a large collection of fine art and furniture, which is on display for visitors to see.

In addition to its architectural significance, Drayton Hall is an important historical landmark. The property was once a working plantation, and the house played a significant role in the culture and economy of the region. Today, visitors can learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantation, including enslaved Africans who were brought to the property to work in the fields and the house.

Drayton Hall is a remarkable piece of American history that povides a window into the past. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, history, or culture.

gone with the wind plantation
Source: realtor.com

The Largest Plantation in America

The biggest plantation in America, in terms of floor space, is the Nottoway Plantation located in White Castle, Louisiana. Built in 1859 by John Hampden Randolph, the plantation covers an impressive 53,000 square feet (4,900 m2) of floor space. The mansion is a combination of Greek Revival and Italianate styles and was constructed using the labor of enslaved individuals and skilled craftsmen. Today, the Nottoway Plantation is a popular tourist attraction and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Existence of Plantation Houses Today

Plantation houses do still exist, though many have been transformed into historic sites for tourists or private residences on smaller properties. These houses were once the centerpieces of large plantations, where enslaved people were forced to work under brutal conditions. While the houses themselves may be beautiful, it’s important to remember the dark history behnd them.

Some examples of plantation houses that are now historic sites include:

– Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington in Virginia
– Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson in Virginia
– Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana
– Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina

It’s worth noting that many of these sites have made efforts to address the history of slavery and the enslaved people who worked on these plantations. Visitors can learn about their experiences and the impact of slavery on American history. However, it’s important to approach these sites with a critical eye and an understanding of the complex legacy of slavery in the United States.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of the classic novel and movie “Gone With The Wind”, you’ll be pleased to know that there are still remnants of the world of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler to be found in Georgia. The Twelve Oaks mansion, which served as the inspiration for Ashley Wilkes’ home in the film, is one such location. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, it’s no surprise that this stunning mansion is up for sale.

But Twelve Oaks isn’t the only location that fans of “Gone With The Wind” can visit. The Road to Tara Museum, located in Clayton County, is an essential stop for anyone who wants to experience the world of Margaret Mitchell’s novel. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the American South, as well as the life of the author herself.

And of course, there’s the Fitzgerald Place, the real-life inspiration for Tara. Although the plantation house is privately owned and not open to the public, simply knowing that the home of Scarlett O’Hara was based on a real place adds an extra layer of fascination to the story.

The world of “Gone With The Wind” is still alive and well in Georgia. From Twelve Oaks to the Road to Tara Museum to the Fitzgerald Place, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the story of Scarlett, Rhett, and the Old South. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual reader, thse locations are sure to capture your imagination and transport you back to another time and place.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.