Gone with the Wind, the epic American film based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name, has captivated audiences for decades with its timeless story set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The film, released in 1939, remains one of the most beloved and iconic movies in cinematic history. However, many fans may be surprised to learn that not a single scene was actually filmed in Georgia, the setting of the story.
The fictional plantation known as Tara, where the story unfolds, was depicted as a grand Southern mansion surrounded by cotton fields. In reality, the iconic scenes of Tara were filmed in Chico, a town located in northern California, about 80 miles north of Sacramento. The filmmakers found the perfect locations for the cotton fields around Bidwell Park, Pentz Road, and Paradise Apple Orchard, creating the illusion of the Georgia landscape.
While several estates claim to be the inspiration for Tara, the model for the Wilkes family home in the movie, the actual mansion used as the film’s visual representation of Tara is Twelve Oaks. Situated in Covington, Georgia, Twelve Oaks served as the ideal backdrop for the grandeur and opulence of the Southern plantation. Today, Twelve Oaks is open to the public and offers the opportunity to book a stay in one of its dreamy rooms, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Gone with the Wind’s history firsthand.
It’s worth noting that the opening credits of the film feature a Southern mansion, but this mansion is not located in Georgia either. The mansion shown in the opening credits is actually on Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. This Hollywood production choice further emphasizes the fact that, despite the story’s setting in Georgia, the film was primarily shot in California.
Despite the lack of actual filming in Georgia, the legacy of Gone with the Wind continues to thrive in the state. Visitors can take a “Gone with the Wind Tour in Charleston” today, which provides insights into the historical context and inspiration behind the story. Although Charleston, South Carolina, was not a filming location for the movie, it offers a glimpse into the Southern charm and atmosphere depicted in Gone with the Wind.
While Gone with the Wind is an iconic film set in Georgia during the Civil War era, it was primarily filmed in California. The grand Southern mansion known as Tara was brought to life in Chico, California, through the use of cotton fields and carefully selected filming locations. The Twelve Oaks mansion in Covington, Georgia, served as the model for Tara and now offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the world of the film. Despite the lack of filming in the actual setting, the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Gone with the Wind have left a lasting impact on Georgia and the world of cinema.
Where Was Gone With The Wind Filmed & Plantation?
Gone with the Wind, the iconic film based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel, was filmed in various locations in the United States. The plantation featured in the movie is known as Twelve Oaks, and it was located in Covington, Georgia.
Here are some key details about the filming locations:
1. Twelve Oaks: The Wilkes family plantation, Twelve Oaks, was used as the model for the grand Southern estate in the film. While Twelve Oaks itself is a fictional name, the actual location is the antebellum plantation known as “Oak Hill.” The plantation is situated in Covington, Georgia, which is about 35 miles east of Atlanta.
2. Other Filming Locations: In addition to Twelve Oaks, several other locations were used for filming Gone with the Wind. These include:
– Tara: The iconic plantation of Scarlett O’Hara’s family, Tara, was recreated on a set at Selznick International Studios in Culver City, California. The set was designed to represent the grandeur and beauty of the Southern plantations.
– Atlanta: Many scenes set in Atlanta, including the famous burning of the city, were filmed on a large set constructed at Selznick International Studios. The set was meticulously designed to depict the city during the Civil War era.
– Other Locations: Various scenes throughout the film were shot on location in California, including Los Angeles, Malibu, and San Fernando Valley. These locations were used to capture different aspects of the story, such as the war and the journey of the characters.
3. Historic Preservation: While Twelve Oaks and Tara were fictional locations, the film’s success and lasting impact have led to the preservation and celebration of the antebellum architecture and Southern heritage. Many plantations and historic sites throughout the South have become popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of Gone with the Wind.
Gone with the Wind was primarily filmed in Covington, Georgia, where the plantation Twelve Oaks was located. The film also utilized various other locations in California to recreate the grandeur of the South during the Civil War era.
Where Were The Tara Scenes Filmed For Gone With The Wind?
The Tara scenes in the iconic film Gone with the Wind were filmed in various locations in northern California. Specifically, the cotton fields of Tara and O’Hara’s first horse ride were shot in Chico, a city located approximately 80 miles north of Sacramento.
The filming took place in several specific areas in and around Chico. Bidwell Park, a large municipal park known for its beautiful scenery, was one of the locations used for filming the Tara scenes. Additionally, Pentz Road, a road that runs through the outskirts of Chico, was also utilized for filming.
Another location that played a role in the Tara scenes was Paradise Apple Orchard, which is situated near Chico. This picturesque orchard provided a suitable backdrop for capturing the essence of Tara.
It is worth mentioning that several estates in the Chico area claim to have inspired the creation of Tara. However, the exact estate that served as the primary inspiration for the Tara depicted in the film remains a subject of debate.
The Tara scenes in Gone with the Wind were filmed in Chico, California, with specific filming locations including Bidwell Park, Pentz Road, and Paradise Apple Orchard.
Can You Visit The House From Gone With The Wind?
Visitors can indeed visit the house from Gone with the Wind. The house, known as The Twelve Oaks, is a real antebellum mansion located in the Atlanta area. It is now open to the public, allowing visitors to tour both the mansion and its grounds.
The Twelve Oaks offers a unique experience as it is one of the few antebellum homes of this size that you can tour in the Atlanta area. This makes it a must-visit destination for fans of Gone with the Wind or anyone interested in experiencing the grandeur of the Old South.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the mansion and learn about its rich history. The house has been preserved to reflect the time period of the Civil War era, giving visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the antebellum South.
In addition to the mansion itself, The Twelve Oaks also offers tours of its beautiful grounds. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the Southern architecture and landscaping that make this location truly unique.
To enhance the visitor experience, The Twelve Oaks plans to offer historic tours of the mansion and grounds. These tours will provide even more in-depth information about the history and significance of the house, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Gone with the Wind experience.
Yes, you can visit the house from Gone with the Wind. The Twelve Oaks offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tour an authentic antebellum mansion in the Atlanta area. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply interested in Southern history, this is a destination not to be missed.
Was Gone With The Wind Filmed In Charleston SC?
Gone with the Wind was not filmed in Charleston, SC. Despite the popular belief, not a single scene of the movie was shot in Charleston or even in the state of Georgia. The entire film was a Hollywood production, with most of the scenes being shot on studio sets in California.
To be more specific, the iconic Southern mansion shown in the opening credits was actually located on Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles. This mansion, known as the “Tara” plantation in the movie, was a creation of the film’s art department and did not exist in reality.
While Charleston has a rich history and is often associated with the antebellum South, it did not serve as a filming location for Gone with the Wind. However, Charleston does offer a “Gone with the Wind Tour” today, which allows visitors to explore various sites associated with the book and movie, despite not being directly linked to the filming process.
Although Gone with the Wind is deeply connected to the Southern heritage and charm, it was primarily a Hollywood production and not filmed in Charleston or any other location in South Carolina or Georgia.
Conclusion
“Gone with the Wind” is a timeless classic that captivates audiences with its epic tale set in the backdrop of the American Civil War. The movie not only became a cinematic masterpiece, but it also left a lasting impact on popular culture, with its iconic characters and memorable quotes.
While the film is set in the South, it is interesting to note that the actual filming locations were scattered across different parts of the United States. The famous Twelve Oaks plantation, which served as the model for the Wilkes family home, is located in Covington, Georgia. However, the cotton fields of Tara and O’Hara’s horse ride scenes were filmed in Chico, California. This showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of the filmmakers in recreating the Southern atmosphere.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning that no scenes from “Gone with the Wind” were actually shot in Georgia, despite its prominent role in the story. The Southern mansion shown before the opening credits was situated on Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles, further emphasizing the movie’s Hollywood production.
Despite these filming locations being geographically different from the story’s setting, the movie successfully transports viewers to the antebellum South through its stunning visuals, lavish costumes, and powerful performances. The legacy of “Gone with the Wind” continues to endure, making it a must-watch for movie enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
“Gone with the Wind” remains a beloved classic that showcases the beauty, tragedy, and resilience of the American South during a turbulent time in history. Its impact on cinema and popular culture cannot be overstated, and its timeless story continues to captivate audiences around the world.
