pond spring the general joe wheeler home

pond spring the general joe wheeler home印象

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  LynnC540

  Excellent historic site. The home includes all of the original furnishings, and Gen. Joe Wheeler's uniforms, and military arms. The tour guide is the docent and she is so knowledgeable. Joe Wheeler is only one of two Confederate Generals who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. They are in the process of restoring some of the out buildings. I would highly recommend a visit to this historic site.

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  sueonthego1

  The Wheeler family descendants had influence on local history. There are dozens of unmarked slave graves at the back of the property, past the family cemetery. The ladies who lead the tour are quite knowledgeable about the family, architecture, history, etc. of this property.

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  coastermeister

  It was so nice to see a home of this age that had remained in the family until recently and been well cared for and preserved. The state of Alabama did a great job on the recent restoration. Our tour guide was one of the preservationists and was very informative and knowledgable. Every item in the home, except for 5 pieces, belonged to General Joe Wheeler and his wife Daniella. The grounds are a work in progress but with hundreds of boxwoods in place as planted by Daniella over 100 years ago it's a marvel to see now. The home is a bit off the beaten path on Hwy 20 between Decatur and Courtland. Plan on about 1-1/2 hours for the tour and some time to roam the grounds on your own. Photography is not allowed inside the home. There is a small gift shop and restrooms currently consist of a single port-o-potty but we were told a restroom facility was being built this year on a spot where excavation had already begun. If you're in the area this is definately worth a side trip to see.

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  RMH_9

  I have lived in North Alabama for over 30 years but never found time to visit Joe Wheeler's Home until now. General Joe Wheeler was a Confederate cavalry officer who later went on to become a member of the US Congress after the war. When the Spanish American War broke out, he volunteered for service and became the only Confederate General to later serve in combat (Cuba) in the US Army. The general's daughter (Miss Annie) lived in the home until she died in the mid-50s. Other family members lived there after that but the upkeep is not cheap on a house built in in the 1800s so it gradually fell into bad shape. It was finally closed about 15 years ago and donated by one of the Generals grandchildren to the state of Alabama. For 12 years the state gradually preserved and renovated the main home before it was reopened in May of 2012. Work continues on the grounds, the older original house and some of the out bldgs as funds become available. The grounds around the house are in pretty good shape but they are working to reestablish Miss Annie's well known (locally) gardens. This is a wonderful place to visit because, when the family donated the house, they also donated the furniture, clothing, uniforms and memoribilia left by Wheeler (who died in 1906). The house is full of the actual items the Wheelers had and used. It is well displayed. Guided tours are given on the hour. Our guide (Holly) was very well informed and did a fabulous job of explaining what each of the items were and why they were there. My biggest problem with the Wheeler Home was finding it. It is in a very small town, really nothing but a few bldgs by the side of the road. There is a small faded sign on Highway 20/Alt. US 72 which says "Wheeler Home" but nothing to identify it as a state park or even that it is open to visitors. It is on the south side of the highway. After crossing the railroad tracks you proceed up a tree-lined, dirt driveway until you get to the house. Well worth seeing if you are in the area but they really need to do something about making it easier to find. It is worth finding.

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  kag55

  This is a small operation, but we enjoyed the visit very much. The curator serves as the tour guide, and has a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge about the history of the house and artifacts. When you first park it may look like there is no one around, but persevere. Tours start on the front porch on the hour, and you pay a small fee at that time. The curator is very willing to answer questions or discuss particular items of interest, and obviously loves her job.

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  lsmith7823

  We have a little extra time while in area and went to visit this newly opened home. Cost is $5 and tour is about an hour. What is most fascinating is all the furnishings are original..down to the books. General Wheeler is quite eclectic man and one of a few Alabamians honored in the Washington DC. Please note house on alternate 72

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  Leigh_Librarian

  On our way to another attraction we spotted the sign for the Joe Wheeler Home. We all marveled at the abundance of artifacts on display. The guide/curator of the museum was knowledgeable and entertaining. She interacted well with all four generations present. We didn’t feel rushed and were prompted to ask questions frequently. The house contained stairs, but my parents willingly climbed them because they didn’t want to miss anything. Pond Springs seemed to be waiting for the return of the Wheeler family with clothing, toys, and toiletry items on display. The home was air conditioned and comfortable. The grounds contain many other buildings and an interesting family cemetery to explore. I recommend walking shoes for exploring the grounds. Our entire party said it was the best tour of the trip. Signage is small; be careful not to miss it.

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  Southernroads

  Beautiful, authentic, multi-faceted intepretation of regional history. Compelling connection to the Wheeler family and legacy. If you care about Alabama or Southern history, you should definitely visit this site. The staff is wonderful and the recent restoration amazing. It's more than a home; it is a collection of structures that preserve a once-thriving community that literally transports you back in time. A hidden gem.