Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society Offering House for $1 - Must Be Moved

The historic McAfee House, a central hallway cottage built in the 1840s, stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in the Atlanta area and the last remaining pre-Civil War building in Cobb County's bustling Town Center area. Built with pine timbers joined by wooden pegs, the house still retains its original pine floors, walls and ceilings. And the McAfee House's historical significance extends beyond its age. It also served as a headquarters for Union Brigadier General Kenner Garrard during the Civil War and is believed to have been used as a field hospital in 1864. While a Georgia historical marker recognizes the house's significance, the house and property lack protection through local zoning or historic designation.

“The property has been for sale for many years, so potential plans to develop the site have long-threaten the house's existence,” says Trevor Beemon, Executive Director at Cobb Landmarks. “Through the years we have consistently advocated for the house's preservation by attending Planning Commission meetings, meeting with county commissioners, and, for several years, attempted to find a way to relocate the house,” said Beemon. In 2020, Cobb Landmarks went as far as inviting structural engineers and house movers to inspect and evaluate the house. Each confirmed that the house was a good candidate for relocation. And while Cobb Landmarks hoped to find a way to get the house off of the property, efforts to reach an agreement with the current owner were unsuccessful, until now. 

“After years of faithful negotiations, the current owner of the house has agreed to transfer it to Cobb Landmarks, allowing us the opportunity to in-turn sell the house for $1.00 (USD) to an individual or organization willing to relocate it to a new site,” shared Beemon. “Furthermore, the buyer and developer of the property have agreed to allow us until May 15, 2025 to find a new home for the structure.”

Through an application process, Cobb Landmarks is seeking individuals and organizations interested in relocating and restoring the house. The house is being offered for $1.00 (USD) to the applicant with the most compelling submission. In order to be considered, interested parties must complete an online questionnaire. Applications will be evaluated by a committee consisting of Cobb Landmarks trustees, realtors, and construction and engineering professionals. Applications must be received by January 17, 2025 to be considered. The selected applicant will be notified by January 31, 2025. From there, the selected applicant will have until May 15, 2025 to remove the structure from the property. 

Once moved, Cobb Landmarks will require the house to be protected by a preservation easement to ensure the exterior will retain its historic integrity and that the house will be protected from demolition moving forward. Those wishing to apply are encouraged to visit cobblandmarks.com/mcafee. Those interested in seeing the McAfee House must first secure permission from Cobb Landmarks as the property is still privately owned. To protect the property and its historical significance, unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action by the property owner.