Christmas at the Mansion in Milledgeville debuted Nov. 20, with three tours between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Despite the large scaffolding on the outside of the mansion, that is assisting with exterior conservation efforts, the inside of the building was decorated in lights and color for the approaching Christmas season.
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion was completed in 1839 and provides an example of High Greek Revival architecture. The mansion served as a home for Georgia’s chief executives for over 30 years.
Tours of the mansion leads visitors through all three floors and teaches about the history of two primary governors who lived there, former governors Howell Cobb and Joseph E. Brown.
Before tours begin, attendees wait in the hall of the gift shop that is decorated in garlands made of pine and wreaths made of pine and pine cones. At the door leading into the mansion, two large pots hold a bundle of cotton plants that left guests intrigued.
According to the University of Georgia Extension, Georgia was the first colony to produce cotton commercially, first planting it near Savannah in 1734. Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion has significant connections to the Civil War and early Reconstruction phases of Georgia’s history when cotton could be profitable and was used for various other purposes.
Decorations like the cotton plants pay tribute to these parts of the mansion’s history and many other small decorations inside the residence hint at other historic events as well.
For example, in the kitchen, tour guide Maggie Standard pointed out a small photo of General William T.
Sherman. On Nov. 23, 1864, Sherman claimed the mansion as a “prize” during his March to the Sea. On this date, he headquartered in the building and, according to Standard, a fun fact is that Brown had some of his furniture removed in the room that Sherman was to stay in before he arrived.
Amongst these historical decorations, Christmas at the Mansion brings more color to the residence overall.
Fireplaces are decorated with garland and red ribbons. Tables have vases full of plants or centerpieces with colors of green and red. At the front door of the mansion, on the second floor, the top of the door frames are decorated with an assortment of fruit, flowers, and leaves. The fruit in this festive display was recognized as a symbol of power during the mansion’s history.
But among the many festive decorations, the spotlight shines on the 22 ½ feet Christmas tree in the center of the rotunda.
From the first floor it stretches vertically to the third floor. Visitors can look up and see its star topper glimmering under the gold ceiling. Taking a look closer at the pine tree reveals hand-made decorations that were created by civic groups and GCSU students, along with an additional 1,800 pure crystal ornaments and about 2,000 lights. Being the centerpiece of the mansion, the tree shines and glimmers from both the view on the first floor and third floor.
This is only a small hint into what Christmas at the Mansion offers.
Christmas tours will re-open to the public on Nov. 29 and continue through Dec. 21. On Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, the mansion will also be hosting special candlelight tours from 6-8 p.m.
To learn more about ticket prices or make a reservation for a candlelight tour, call 478-445-4545.