History ofThe Cannonball House
settingsIn 1853, Judge Asa Holt, a local planter, built what would become the Cannonball House near downtown Macon, Georgia.
In 1864, during the Battle of Dunlap Hill, a Union artillery shell was fired from near the current location of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The shell bounced through the front of the house and came to rest in the hallway without exploding, making the Cannonball House the only Macon home to suffer damage during the war. The house was used as a private residence until 1962 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Today, the Cannonball House is owned by the Friends of the Cannonball House, a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to acquiring, conserving, interpreting, and exhibiting artifacts that reflect Georgia’s heritage from the antebellum through Reconstruction eras. We strive to engage and inspire community members and visitors by presenting authentic and entertaining educational programs, exhibits, and special events through a wide range of history.
Plan your visit
Our museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, with tours offered every half hour. Get your tickets and plan your visit today!