Chickamauga in Walker County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Martin Davis House and Farm
On January 28, 1850, Martin Davis purchased 160 acres of land along the Chickamauga Creek in Walker County, Georgia. Here a short time later, at the foot of Pigeon Mountain and with a clear view of Lookout Mountain, Martin would move his family from Lumpkin County, Georgia. A story and a half dogtrot style frame house would become the Davis's new home. Martin died in 1859, leaving his widow Julia Tate Davis and six children, ages 4 through 18, to manage the farm. On September 11, 1863, the Civil War interrupted the Davis's quiet farm life as Confederate and Union troops clashed at the Widow Davis farm. John Davis, Jr., son of Martin and Julia Davis, and his wife Ruth Hall Davis would own the farm from 1882 until 1897. The home and farm ownership changed ca. 1920, when Mary Eudie Lee Trotter, J.W. Lee's daughter, and her husband Frank Trotter became owners. On January 1, 1948, Frank Clements Shaw purchased the farm and moved into the house with his wife, Myrtice Dunaway Shaw and their son, Frank Clements "Bug" Shaw Jr. From 1948 until 2006, the Shaws, and in particular Frank Clements Shaw, Jr., lovingly preserved and managed this historic farm. Today, the original 1850's house, an 1884 stone addition, post-1900 architectural modifications, modern additions to the house, and the 430 acre farm are managed by the Martin Davis House Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2006 prior to the death of Frank Clements Shaw, Jr. The Martin Davis House and Farm includes a number of "dependencies" built by Mr. Shaw to depict a rural 19th century village. Later it was discovered the home would belong to Amanda Shaw, A descendant of the builder, and the story is heart warming since her daughters name is "Bug" Shaw. Almost as if it was a dream come true. She plans on living at the home and opening a school there. A rich rural history of family life in Walker County during the 19th and 20th centuries as well as the agricultural landscape is preserved and interpreted at the Martin Davis House and Farm.
Reservations for tours can be made by calling 706-539-2244.
Administered by: The Martin Davis House Foundation,
P.O. Box 1149, LaFayette, Georgia 30728
Erected by The Martin Davis House Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Exploration • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.
Location. 34° 45.286′ N, 85° 22.115′ W. Marker is in Chickamauga, Georgia, in Walker County. Marker is on Hog Jowl Road south of Georgia Route 193, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chickamauga GA 30707, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Skirmish at McLemore’s Cove (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Skirmish at McLemore’s Cove (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Skirmish at McLemore’s Cove (approx. 0.8 miles away); Stephens Gap (approx. 3.3 miles away); Catlett’s Gap (approx. 3.7 miles away); Gowan’s (Gower’s) Ford And Widow Glenn’s Grave (approx. 4.9 miles away); Cooper's Gap (approx. 5 miles away); Fort Cumming (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chickamauga.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2015. This page has been viewed 1,928 times since then and 66 times this year. Last updated on August 31, 2020. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.