Bellevue – LaGrange, Georgia

Bellevue is one of the most important historic homes in LaGrange and one of Georgia’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. 

The stately antebellum mansion was built between 1852 and 1855 by Benjamin Harvey Hill for his wife, Caroline Holt Hill. 

Hill later became a prominent Georgia political leader, serving in both state and national government.

History of Bellevue

Bellevue originally stood at the center of a large plantation estate covering approximately 1,200 acres. The property reflected the wealth and social position of the Hill family during the years before the Civil War. The name “Bellevue” is commonly understood to mean “beautiful view,” an appropriate description for the elevated and carefully landscaped setting of the home.

Benjamin Harvey Hill was known as a skilled speaker and influential politician. Before the Civil War, he opposed Georgia’s secession from the United States. After Georgia left the Union, however, he served in the Confederate Senate. His home became an important gathering place where political leaders, visitors, and other prominent guests were entertained. Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, was reportedly among the dignitaries who visited Bellevue.

Greek Revival Architecture

Bellevue was designed in the Greek Revival style, which was popular among wealthy Southern families during the mid-1800s. The front of the house resembles a classical Greek temple, with tall fluted Ionic columns, broad two-story porticos, a strong cornice, and a centered entrance.

Inside, the home contains elaborate carved woodwork, decorative plaster ceiling medallions, black Italian marble mantels, large door and window cornices, and furnishings representing the 1850s. These architectural and decorative features make Bellevue an outstanding example of the “domesticated temple” form of Greek Revival design.

Later Ownership and Preservation

After the Hill family left Bellevue, the property passed through other owners. Jesse McLendon purchased the home around 1870, and members of his family lived there for a number of years. As LaGrange grew, much of the original estate was divided and developed, leaving the mansion on a much smaller property than it had occupied during the 1800s.

In 1942, the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation purchased Bellevue and presented it to the LaGrange Woman’s Club. The house was preserved for use as the organization’s clubhouse and later became a historic house museum. The LaGrange Woman’s Club and its charitable trust have continued to care for the property, support restoration work, and make the home available for tours and special events.

National Recognition

Bellevue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. In 1973, it was designated a National Historic Landmark because of its exceptional architectural importance. It is also a contributing property within LaGrange’s Broad Street Historic District.

Why Bellevue Is Important

Bellevue preserves an important part of LaGrange’s architectural, political, and social history. Its grand columns, carefully restored rooms, period furnishings, and landscaped grounds allow visitors to experience the style of a prosperous Southern home during the mid-19th century.

The house also helps tell the complex history of plantation life, wealth, politics, labor, and society in antebellum Georgia. Today, Bellevue remains one of LaGrange’s most recognizable historic landmarks and a lasting example of the city’s commitment to preservation.

Location

Bellevue Historical Home
204 Ben Hill Street
LaGrange, Georgia 30240