Robert Toombs Historic Site

"Defend yourselves, the enemy is at your door," thundered Robert Toombs from the Senate floor on Jan. 24, 1860. It was a turning point in history. Rejecting moderation, Toombs helped lead Georgia to secession and the Civil War. The story is told in exhibits at his restored and furnished home.

Toombs was a state legislator, U.S. congressman and senator. With ambitions of becoming president of the Confederacy, he resented Jefferson Davis' election. Toombs reluctantly accepted appointment as Secretary of State before resigning to take a commission in the Army of Northern Virginia. When his ambitions were frustrated, he resigned and spent the remainder of the war years in Washington, Georgia, brooding and criticizing the Confederate government. His last service to Georgia was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945.

Tour the house and grounds, view exhibits and displays, and see a film about his life. Tours are from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.