Historical Society announces effort to date Atlanta's oldest remaining structures

​Cobb Landmarks, in collaboration with the University of West Georgia, is embarking on a mission to create Atlanta's first dendrochronological chronology for 19th century structures. This project will involve examining tree rings to determine the year the timbers were harvested for construction. Currently, the lack of local tree-ring data prevents anyone from accurately dating Atlanta's remaining 19th-century timber frame structures. 

To change this, West Georgia students will be collecting core samples from historic sites across the region. Cobb Landmarks has also arranged to collaborate with South Downtown Atlanta. There, timbers from some of the city's oldest remaining commercial structures will be selected for sampling and future analysis. Plans are also in place to take and examine samples from locations including the William Root House, Power-Jackson Cabin, Brumby Hall, and Mimosa Hall. The resulting chronology will be a valuable resource, shared globally through NOAA, enabling further research and data contribution. 

This ambitious project, involving core sampling, lab analysis, and support from two paid intern positions, has a budget of approximately $9,000. Your support will enable Cobb Landmarks to provide invaluable data for current and future generations of researchers. Contribute to a lasting legacy of knowledge!

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