Rose Hill

Rose Hill, a Greek Revival home circa 1852, is the centerpiece of the Lockerly Arboretum, and presides over its surroundings with elegance and grace. Richard J. Nichols, a merchant and prominent citizen of Milledgeville, built a home on this site in 1839. The name Rose Hill was chosen because of the abundance of Cherokee Roses that grew on the site. Nichols died in 1849, and his estate was meticulously inventoried. Daniel R. Tucker purchased the home in 1851. In February of that year, Tucker’s recently purchased house was “entirely consumed” by fire. Tucker built a new home in 1852 on the site, and it is still known today as Rose Hill.

Rose Hill at Lockerly Arboretum is open for guided tours on Saturdays, March 1st – November 15th. Tours are $5 per person and begin every hour on the hour. The last tour begins at 6:00 p.m. Call the Lockerly Arboretum office at 478-452-2112 if you are interested in scheduling a group tour.

Visitors can walk the trails, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the tables near the pond, watch birds and wildlife, and explore the mansion. Coordinated group tour pricing is available, please call for rates. All dogs must be kept on a leash and owners are asked to clean up after their pets.