A Look into the Past with the Fannin County Heritage Foundation’s Baugh House

Nestled in the now booming tourist town of Blue Ridge is a wealth of history. Few know the true Fannin County history, from the time that the Cherokee Indians farmed and hunted this region, to the homesteaders that were, yes amazingly it is true, given plots of land to work, and finally the railroad that brought industry and new wealth to the area. The Fannin County Heritage Foundation Inc., has diligently striven to “preserve and restore historic sites,” as well as save and catalog” historical records and documents.”

All of the foundation members’, volunteers’, and the community’s hard work has paid off. The historic Baugh House has been restored and is a testament to the dedication and fortitude of the Fannin County Heritage Foundation, Inc. and our beautiful small community’s determination to save our heritage and to remember where we come from and what makes Fannin County such a wonderful place to live in today.

The Baugh House was built in 1890, by James Walden Baugh for his wife Mary Theresa Geiser. Mr. Baugh owned the Baugh Brick Yard in Mineral Bluff, and the bricks used to build the home were dug from the plot behind where the home sits now and where the family would later maintain a beautiful garden. The bricks were kiln-dried and stacked four bricks thick in the “modified Federal style.” Their kiln was also used to build many other well known buisnesses in the area.
The Baugh family lived in the family home for many years. In 1924, one of their five children, James Lewelyn, became ill and was diagnosed by his uncle Dr. Francis Geisler with appendicitis. Dr. Geisler and Dr. Fred Kimsey performed emergency surgery on the families kitchen table.
After the last living Baugh descendant lived in the family home, the City of Blue Ridge and the Fannin County Heritage Foundation began working toward declaring the house an historic site. Now after many years of hard work the Baugh House has been restored and contains a wealth of Fannin County history. Each room is dedicated displays that capture the rich history of Fannin County.

It is open to the public Tuesday thru Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, and Loom demonstrations can be requested by calling: 706-258-1645.

Below are photos from the Baugh House Museum. All are welcome to come view the exhibits and Fannin County patrons are also asked to share Fannin County Family histories. Please look forward to continuing articles about the history of Fannin County, the Fannin County Heritage Foundation and the Historic Baugh House.