Fort Hollingsworth–White House, Colonial defensive fort in Alto, Georgia, US
Fort Hollingsworth-White House is a historic structure in Alto, Georgia, originally built as a fortified building with defensive walls and later expanded with a residential addition. The two sections are connected by a covered walkway, and traditional log construction methods were used throughout.
Jacob Hollingsworth built this structure in 1793 on land secured through agreements with the Cherokee Nation to protect nearby settlers. The building represents a period when European expansion in Georgia was reshaping relationships with indigenous peoples.
The building shows how frontier settlers designed their homes to serve both protection and daily living, combining defensive features with practical farmhouse needs. The evolution from fortified structure to working homestead reflects how people adapted to changing conditions in the region.
This location sits at 2307 Wynn Lake Road and welcomes visitors on weekdays when you have time for a leisurely visit. Plan enough time to walk around the exterior and examine how the different building sections connect and relate to each other.
Scientists from the LAMAR Institute use ground-penetrating radar technology to reveal hidden details of the original construction that lie beneath later additions. These ongoing studies continuously uncover new aspects of how this structure was built and designed in the 1700s.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
