Sautee Nacoochee in White County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Three Families at the Farm
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 28, 2026
1. Three Families at the Farm Marker
Nestled in teh Nacoochee Valley, Hardman Farm features a number of historic structures built on approximately 170 acres. Construction of the mansion and other buildings began in 1869. The Nichols, Hunnicutt, and Hardman families each added to the rich history of the Hardman Farm.
James Hall Nichols (1835-1897)
Confederate Civil War Captain, James Nichols, born in Milledgeville, Georgia, purchased approximately 1,200 acres in this valley for his family in 1869. he built their home in teh Italianate style along with fourteen of the original outbuildings. he called the house West End due to its location at the west end of the Nacoochee Valley.
Captain Nichol's property included the beautiful waterfalls which he later named Anna Ruby Falls after his only surviving child Anna Ruby Nichols.
Calvin Welborn Hunnicutt (1827-1915)
Calvin Hunnicutt, born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, became the home's second owner in 1893. A wealthy businessman from Atlanta. Mr. Hunnicutt used the mansion as a summer home for his large family. During the ten years he owned the property,
this page online
Lamartine Griffin Hardman (1856-1937)
Dr. Lamartine Hardman, from Jackson County, Georgia, bought the property in 1903. In 1907, he married Emma Griffin from Valdosta, Georgia. Dr. Hardman, Emma, and their four childrenLamartine Jr., Josephine, Sue, and Emma enjoyed their summers at the farm for many years. Dr. Hardman served as Georgia's 65th governor from 1927-1931. In 1999, the Hardman family donated the property to the State of Georgia to become a State Historic Site.
Dr. Hardman bought the property in 1903 with the intent to establish a state of the art dairy operation. This included construction of a large dairy barn and creamery located towards the back of the property.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 34° 41.166′ N, 83° 42.596′ W. Marker is in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, in White County. It can be reached from Georgia Route 17 north of Unicoi Turnpike, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 143 GA-17, Helen GA 30545,
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 28, 2026
2. Three Families at the Farm Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Three Families at the Farm (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Hardman Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Unicoi Turnpike (within shouting distance of this marker); The Unicoi Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Caretaker's House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Unicoi Turnpike (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Hardman Farm State Historic Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Corncribs & Gear House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sautee Nacoochee.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
