Power Family Cabin
The story of the Power family in Cobb County begins with John Power, who was born in Ireland in 1740. John emigrated to South Carolina and settled in Laurens with wife Sarah. By the mid-1820s, at least two of their sons, James and Joseph, had moved to Georgia. James was the first documented Power to arrive in Cobb. Around 1832, he established one of the first ferries across the Chattahoochee River, located just south of what is now called Cochran Shoals. His brother, Joseph, established a smaller ferry located just north of the shoals which later became the site of the Morgan Falls Dam. Joseph and his wife, Isabella, had at least eight children who grew up on the family farm. Joseph passed land to several of his children, four of whom built log cabins along what is now called Hyde Road.
Joseph and Isabella’s son, George Abner Power, was born in Georgia in 1821. He married Winifred Copeland in 1843. At the time of their marriage, George established a farm which stretched more than a mile along the northwest bank of the Chattahoochee River. George and Winifred lived in what is commonly referred to today as the Power Cabin. They raised twelve children in the cabin. George and Winifred made few changes to the house while they lived there, and it remains largely unchanged to this day.
Joseph and Isabella’s son, George Abner Power, was born in Georgia in 1821. He married Winifred Copeland in 1843. At the time of their marriage, George established a farm which stretched more than a mile along the northwest bank of the Chattahoochee River. George and Winifred lived in what is commonly referred to today as the Power Cabin. They raised twelve children in the cabin. George and Winifred made few changes to the house while they lived there, and it remains largely unchanged to this day.
2001 photo of Power Cabin before restoration by Cobb Landmarks
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Power Cabin as it appears today
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The house was not occupied by the Power family after World War I, but Power family descendants continued to own the property until 1996, when it was conveyed the Trust for Public Land. The cabin and 2.5 acres of land were donated to Cobb Landmarks by the Trust for Public Land in 1999. Morning Washburn, who maintains a tenancy agreement with Cobb Landmarks, has lived in the cabin since 1971. Her longtime stewardship of the Power Cabin helped ensure its preservation. Today, the Power Cabin represents an important piece of Cobb County and Georgia history. Tours of the Power Cabin property are organized by Cobb Landmarks several times each year so that visitors can learn about the pioneer experience and life in early Cobb County.
