Historic Hart House with West Georgia Area Historical Society, Inc.

05/29/2026

05/27/2026

Railways of 1880s.

Many people do not realize that Villa Rica was not originally located exactly where it is today. The earlier settlement was known as Hickstown, named after William Hicks, whose home once sat near where the newer Dollar General.
Because some of his land crossed into Douglas County, records about the family and property can be found in both Douglasville and Carroll County archives.

Further down the road stood Wick’s Tavern, again near the old library area. Wick’s Tavern became an important stopping place/ Tavern/ Stagecoach and trading point for travelers moving through the region.

Across the railroad tracks from what is now Villa Rica Elementary School was another very small settlement called Cheaves Town also spelled Cheeves. It even had its own tiny post office and was named after the family living there. (No longer standing it was a grand and beautiful house)

Then, traveling west down Highway 78, you came into Hart Town. The Hart House, built around 1825, remains one of the oldest surviving structures in the area. Records mention the “first white child” being born there in 1827, referring to Mr. Long’s son. The reason that wording was used was because Native Americans still heavily inhabited this region during that time.

There are several documented Native American sites throughout Villa Rica, including areas near Powell Park, the Gold Museum, and near Tanner Medical Center. Stories passed down through the years even suggest General McIntosh may have assisted with the early beginnings of the Hart House itself- since his trail went just feet of the Hart House.

Before the railroad arrived, supplies had to be brought from places like Marthasville — now Atlanta — or shipped through ports and hauled inland by traders and merchants like Mr. Wick, who reportedly brought goods from places as far away as New Jersey and South Georgia. Most of the lumber was from the very woods that surrounded the area.

Everything changed when the railroad finally arrived in Villa Rica around 1882. Supplies, lumber, and goods began flowing in by train, allowing homes like the Hart House to expand and become grander over time.

Even today, many of the original hand-hewn logs and timbers from the earliest section of the Hart House are still present — a direct connection to the people who built this community nearly 200+ years ago.

History is everywhere around us. Sometimes all it takes is an old map to bring it back to life.

05/21/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Jackie Childress, Tricia Lamar Mullinax, Anthony Bishop

05/21/2026

Who remembers this. -villa rica.
Bunch of WildCats 😂

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Going up in front of the Hart House.

05/13/2026

What once was… will be again. ❤️

Today we wanted to share not only where the Hart House stands now, but also the vision of what it can become once restoration begins. These concept renderings show the future double porch design inspired by the home’s historic character and the stories tied to this place.

We are incredibly thankful for everyone who has already supported this effort through encouragement, volunteer work, in-kind donations, and financial contributions. Every board, every dollar, and every shared post helps move this dream closer to reality.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all monetary and in-kind donations are tax deductible.

Please see the donation photo in this post for ways to give and help restore the Hart House.

Together, we can bring history back to life.

05/12/2026

We would like to remind you of our ongoing raffle. See details below.

05/11/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Jackie Childress, Anthony Bishop