Horton House Guide
Step Back in Time: Explore the Ruins of Horton House Guide
Welcome to Horton House, one of the oldest standing tabby structures in Georgia, offering a glimpse into the early colonial history of Jekyll Island. This historic site provides a fascinating look at the lives of early settlers and the architectural techniques they employed. Prepare to be transported back in time as you wander through the ruins and imagine life in the 18th century. Built around 1743 by Major William Horton, one of General James Oglethorpe's top military aides, Horton House stands on the site of an earlier structure, a brewery built by Horton in 1738. This brewery supplied beer to Oglethorpe's troops stationed at Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. After Horton's death, the house passed through several owners and eventually fell into disrepair. The ruins you see today are a testament to the durability of tabby construction, a mixture of oyster shells, lime, sand, and water. The cemetery nearby holds the remains of Horton, his family, and other early inhabitants of Jekyll Island. Visitors can explore the ruins of Horton House, read interpretive signs detailing the history of the site and the people who lived there, and wander through the adjacent cemetery. The site offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, perfect for contemplating the island's rich past. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with Horton House itself, exploring the nearby Jekyll Island Club Resort offers opportunities to sample Southern cuisine with historical influences.
Transportation
While there is no direct public transportation to Horton House, it is easily accessible by car. From the Jekyll Island Welcome Center, follow Stable Road and then turn onto N. Riverview Drive. The Horton House site will be on your left. Parking is available on-site.