A visit to LaGrange isn’t complete without stepping into the past through its remarkable collection of historic homes—where architectural beauty and local stories come together in meaningful ways.
There are several ways to experience these spaces. Tour a grand estate like Bellevue, take a quiet drive past Nutwood, or stroll through downtown to admire the craftsmanship and character of some of the city’s earliest homes.
The Bailey-Heard Dallis House
The Bailey-Heard-Dallis House, a striking example of Greek Revival architecture, is believed to be the oldest residence in LaGrange. The original two-story home was built around 1828 by General Samuel A. Bailey. During the Creek Indian War of 1836, the house served as General Bailey’s headquarters.
In 1842, the second owner, George Heard, expanded the home by adding exterior columns and four front rooms, giving the structure much of its present-day appearance. Later, during the Civil War, it became a meeting place for the Nancy Harts—LaGrange’s well-known female militia.
In 1861, Martha Heard Beall planted boxwoods on the property shortly before her death. Since 1888, both the home and those historic plantings have been carefully preserved by the Dallis family.
Walk The Thread on Broad Street to pass the Bailey-Heard Dallis home. Bellevue and the Bailey-Heard Dallis home are also part of the LaGrange Walking Tour, a self-guided tour for which you can download the app.
Nutwood Winery
Nutwood Winery, originally a family farm, was designed by noted architect, Colin Rogers, and built in 1833 for Joel Dortch Newsom. The property is closely tied to early agricultural history in Troup County, and some of the area’s first pecan trees were planted here—giving the home its enduring name.
The Newsom family lived at Nutwood until the 1930s, when it was purchased by Arthur E. Mallory, Sr. The historic home itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an important example of antebellum architecture in the region.
Today, the property has been thoughtfully reimagined as a winery, where visitors can experience the setting in a new way. While the grounds now host wine tastings and gatherings, the historic home remains the centerpiece—surrounded by mature pecan trees and a landscape that reflects its long-standing place in LaGrange’s history.
The Bellevue Mansion Tour
Tucked just off the LaGrange College campus on Ben Hill Street, Bellevue is the only National Historic Landmark listed site in Troup County.
Built between 1852 and 1855 by Benjamin Harvey Hill for his wife, Caroline Holt Hill, the mansion is a refined example of Greek Revival architecture.
In 1870, the property was purchased by Jesse McLendon, who lived there with his family for several years. It was later gifted to the LaGrange Woman’s Club by the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation and has since operated as a house museum.
Surrounded by dogwoods, magnolias, and manicured boxwoods, Bellevue offers visitors a beautifully preserved look into 19th-century life in LaGrange. Guided tours—typically lasting about 90 minutes—provide an in-depth experience of this treasured landmark.
Walking Historic Downtown LaGrange
Beyond its well-known estates, LaGrange is home to a number of distinctive historic residences that can be discovered on foot.
On Vernon Road stands a unique “river-style” home completed in 1854 by builder Benjamin H. Cameron.. Designed with durability in mind, river-style homes featured ground floors constructed of stone or similar materials to minimize flood damage, with living spaces above.
Though no river runs nearby, the home remains a fascinating example of early design and craftsmanship. A walk through this area offers a closer look at the architectural diversity that defines LaGrange’s historic neighborhoods.
Truitt Vanderbilt Club
Truitt Vanderbilt Club is a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century residential architecture, located just minutes from downtown LaGrange. Originally built in 1914 for Cornelius Vanderbilt Truitt, a prominent businessman, the home reflects a refined Georgian style.
The residence was designed by P. Thornton Marye, known for his work on significant landmarks including Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.
In 1939, the home was purchased by Nasor Mansour, a Lebanese immigrant and owner of the Mansour’s Department Store chain. Under his ownership, the home became part of a broader story of entrepreneurship and community growth in LaGrange.
Today, the Truitt Vanderbilt Club has been thoughtfully restored and continues to stand as a testament to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
From grand estates to quiet streets lined with historic homes, LaGrange offers countless ways to step into the past. Each home tells a story—of the people who lived there, the eras they experienced, and the legacy that continues to shape the city today.