Cannonball House — Attraction in Macon

This immersive and well-maintained museum house offers a tantalizing glimpse into the private life of Judge Asa Holt, his family, and his slaves and servants and the world which they inhabited. Situated within a strong historical context, while not losing sight of the personal details which give history flavor, the Cannonball House offers a unique and fascinating look at Macon life before, during, and after the War Between the States.

The museum is divided into several parts: the gardens, the main house, the kitchen house, and a well-stocked and impressive museum shop located in the main house. The tour covers the main house and the kitchen house and details both the history of Macon and the stories of the Holt family, as well as the provenance of some of the more interesting artifacts and pieces of furniture in the house. The history of Wesleyan College also features prominently in the history of the Cannonball House.

The kitchen house provides ingress to the stories of the enslaved persons who labored at Cannonball House, whose lives are covered with remarkable detail considering how few narrative details remain about them.

As mentioned, the museum shop is small but packed and is stocked with decorative items, books, art, and other charming pieces. It would be an excellent place for gift shopping or to find a memorable keepsake for one’s trip to Macon.

The best part of the Cannonball House, however, is the docents. Our guide, Jesse, was extremely knowledgeable and could answer every question we had, from the function of certain pieces of furniture to Holt’s political persuasion.

I would consider the Cannonball House to be a “must-visit” for anyone interested in history who is visiting Macon. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events, as the Cannonball Host also hosts unique parties and social events to really help make...

I have zero issue with Cannonball House itself. It is a lovely property, and the Museum is likewise wonderfully maintained and highly informative. My issue is with the docent who was giving us a tour this particular day. We have been on endless house tours the past two years as we have just built a antebellum Greek revival style home recently, and are slowly but surely filling with antique/historic furnishings from the appropriate time period... not replicas. Our 9 year old daughter has accompanied us to these house tours, however reluctantly, and actively lives in our home with our furnishings and her own bedroom is finished with antiques. All of this is to illustrate that she is aware of the expense, delicate nature, and proper handling of said items. Almost immediately upon starting the tour, the souvenirs began making remarks to my daughter about not touching, not approaching, not wandering, etc. None of which my daughter was doing. Instead of politely expressing our asking that she be cautious, or speaking to myself or my husband about her concerns, she instead became sharper and harsher with my daughter who came near tears. Ultimately I took my daughters hand and led her out and to the gift shop without a word so that my husband could finish the tour himself. Of the dozens upon dozens of home tours we have taken (GA, AL, MS, LA etc.) I have never had anyone treat my child in such a manner in front of me and without benefit of addressing myself or my husband as her parents... granted, she has never warranted being spoken to in such a way as her behavior has never justified it. Sorely disappointed, and hopefully addressed as so many of these homes rely on donations. Again, no issue with the house, just use discretion if you are traveling with...

The staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of the house, it's furnishings, it's inhabitants, the war, and Macon. They have an amazing collection of period photographs, paintings, furniture, clothing and uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts. There are two rooms that house collections from two of Wesleyan College's sororities. The house is set up to reflect life for the families who lived there during the war and includes a separate building that houses a brick kitchen and cook's quarters in the upstairs bedroom. I learned a great deal and enjoyed seeing everything in its historical context. Definitely a place to visit if you...