Thomson in McDuffie County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hickory Hill
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
1. Hickory Hill Marker
Populist presidential candidate and Georgia political leader Thomas E. Watson purchased this house from Captain James Wilson in 1900. Watson extensively renovated both the house and grounds, installing telephones and even constructing a power plant to provide the house with lighting and water for the indoor plumbing. In 1910 Watson constructed a printing plant, known as the Jeffersonian, at Hickory Hill. The plant employed thirty workers and produced his periodicals and books. After the death of Watson and his wife, their granddaughter Georgia Watson Craven owned Hickory Hill until 1947 when Walter J. Brown purchased the house to preserve it in memory of Thomas Watson. Today the house is owned and operated by the Watson-Brown Foundation.
Erected 2007 by Georgia Historical Society and the Watson-Brown Foundation. (Marker Number 97-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 33° 28.15′ N, 82° 30.717′ W. Marker is in Thomson, Georgia, in McDuffie County. Marker is on Hickory Hill Drive, 0.1 miles west of North Lee Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home of Thomas E. Watson (approx. ¼ mile away); VFW Post 6672 KIA Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); VFW Veterans Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sen. Thomas E. Watson (approx. 0.4 miles away); McDuffie County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nancy Hart Highway (approx. 0.4 miles away); Woodman of the World Supreme Sacrifice Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); McDuffie and Columbia Counties Confederate Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thomson.
More about this marker. The marker is erroneously numbered 97-2; it should be 94-2.
Also see . . .
1. Thomas E. Watson. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on May 27, 2011.)
2. Hickory Hill. Watson-Brown Foundation Historic Home website entry:
This website offers links to history, additional information and photos. (Submitted on May 27, 2011.)
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
2. Hickory Hill Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, May 14, 2011
3. Hickory Hill Marker
The entrance to the home, which is open for special tours.
Courtesy of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc. and the New Georgia Encyclopedia
4. Sen. Thomas Edward Watson
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 804 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 25, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
