Follow Paul: Chatsworth's Chief Vann House

CHATSWORTH, Ga. - It was built back in the early 1800s, and became the first brick home in the Cherokee Nation.  Today, the Chief Vann House in Chatsworth is a state historic site and a perfect place to learn more about the Cherokee Nation during the 180th anniversary of the Trail of Tears.

What’s known as the Chief Vann House today was built by Cherokee leader and successful businessman James Vann, who developed a huge plantation in what is now Murray County and built a two-and-a-half story brick mansion on the land in 1804.  Vann was murdered five years later, at which time his son Joseph took over the home, but the family was moved west during what’s known as the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation of Native Americans which included the Cherokee in 1838.  Today, the Chief Vann House is open to visitors, who can explore the preserved house and more than 100 acres of land.  This month, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering a promotion which allows visitors to all historic sites to “bring a friend for free” – essentially a two-for-one admission deal.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken spent the morning in Chatsworth, visiting the Chief Vann House for the very first time and learning more about why the site is such an important part of American history.