Granite Hill Plantation, Silo, South side of State Route 16, 1.3 miles northeast of Sparta, Sparta

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA-2396-B. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Granite Hill Plantation historically consisted of acres amassed by Andrew Jackson Lane, a wealthy Hancock County planter. The plantation was one of the largest in the county and is associated with the antebellum agricultural reform movement, as well as granite quarrying. During the early twentieth century, a dairy was operated at the site that is associated with the Tenth District Agricultural and Mechanical School. The Granite Hill Plantation Silo is the only remaining structure at the former plantation site associated with this time period. Description: The Granite Hill Plantation Silo is a round structure, approximately 30' in height. It is constructed of granite blocks and was built in two phases.

The lower section of the structure exhibits a higher level of craftsmanship with smaller mortar joints, while the granite blocks used in the upper section are more irregular in size and shape and were likely salvaged from earlier quarrying operations at Granite Hill. Additionally, the mortar used in the upper section is red in color, possibly from the use of red clay mixed with Portland cement or lime. Holes remain in the outer surface of the structure that were possibly used for staging during construction. Several small openings exist, while the northern elevation has several vertical openings running the entire height of the structure that are approximately 2' in width.

Remains of wooden framing in these openings suggest that horizontal boards were stacked within the opening to contain the silage. The interior of the structure is finished in a smooth coat of mortar. The granite silo is bounded on one side by parallel rows of cinder blocks and concrete troughs; these may be the remains of Duggan's dairy. The upper portion of the structure has a concrete inscription that reads "C. S. DUGGAN / Sept. 25, 17 J. T." History: In W. B. Lee sold his 383 acre tract (comprising the remaining portion of Granite Hill Plantation) to Carlos S. Duggan, who subsequently operated a dairy on the property. Carlos Duggan may have been related to Professor Mell L. Duggan, who in organized the Tenth District Agricultural and Mechanical School, adjacent to the project area.

The dairy at Granite Hill was likely part of the "surrounding farm" used to educate the A&M vocational high school students. The Granite Hill A&M School operated until it was closed permanently at the end of the academic year.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA-2396-B. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

William M. Brockenbrough, Brockington and Associates, Inc., GRANITE HILL PLANTATION, Silo HABS No. GA-2396-B (page 2) Sketch Site Map of Granite Hill Plantation Silo fROBM-!^ HOl-i/r h : *-. - s ^ *. A. k- 'J~ = <j t W-V IT! Hancock GRANITE HILL PLANTATION, Silo HABS No. GA-2396-B (page 3) Floor Plan of Granite Hill Plantation Silo COHCRE': ILOCK ABOVE i; lAm *. 4 CONCRETE FLOOR SILO d

Granite Hill Plantation

Sparta Vaeinity Hancock County Georgia Sketch Floor Pirn 8 0 8 16 Measured: April Drawn by; Will Breeksnbreygh SCALE OF FEET