Travel Through Centuries of Culture at Hardman Farm State Historic Site

The Hardman Farm State Historic Site displays many historical ties to Helen’s history and is a must-do for history-loving visitors to the area. The home was built in 1870 by Captain James Nichols and is an example of Italianate architecture. Captain Nichols was the father of Anna Ruby Nichols, namesake of Anna Ruby Falls, and here visitors can view her bedroom and belongings exactly as she kept them in her lifetime.

The site is most famous as the location of the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, which was used as a burial site by the indigenous peoples of the area, probably long before the Cherokee tribe settled here. Since its construction, the home has gone through many owners, the most notable being Dr. Lamartine Hardman, former governor of Georgia (and former owner of the Nora Mill Granary) before the home was passed to the state of Georgia in 1999.

When you visit, take a guided tour of the site for all the local tidbits on the home and the area. Guests are also treated to a walk on the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail. Leashed pets are welcome on the trail and in areas outside the house, but are not permitted to come into the buildings.

Address: 143 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571