Located in a wooded area of Georgia, this property from the early twentieth century is enveloped in greenery.
Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast captured the state of the house, which saw multiple ownership changes before John McCown acquired it in 1967.
John McCown’s Influence
McCown, a controversial figure, played a significant role in the local history, turning the house into a significant monument.
His involvement in the civil rights movement and contributions to the region’s development are notable.
Condition of the Property
The property has been neglected for years, with evident deterioration in its structure and façade.
Notable decay includes a crumbling central tower, missing window panes, and overtaking by flora.
Interior Details
Despite the neglect, remnants of its past grandeur, such as well-preserved tongue-and-groove paneling and an elaborate parquet ceiling, remain.
The interior decor reflects McCown’s tastes from the 1970s, including paisley wallpaper and a lacquered fireplace mantel.
McCown’s Legacy
Born in South Carolina and raised in Harlem, McCown was deeply involved in the civil rights movement before moving to Georgia.
He led significant initiatives in Hancock County, improving the lives of African Americans through the Eastern Central Committee for Opportunity (ECCO).
Architectural Features
The mansion’s architecture includes a white-painted staircase with intricately carved balusters and newels, surviving remarkably well over the years.
Various wallpapers and a few personal items hint at the mansion’s past life and aesthetics.
The Decline
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw racial tensions escalate in Hancock County, with McCown advocating for the arming of African Americans.
Financial mismanagement accusations against McCown led to an investigation, diminishing his and ECCO’s credibility.
Final Resting Place and Legacy
McCown died in a plane crash in 1976, marking a tragic end to his contentious yet impactful life.
Today, the mansion stands as a decaying monument to his work, embodying the complex history of civil rights in Georgia.
