The McAfee House, an artifact of history nestled in Cobb County, is up for sale with a price tag that seems almost unfathomable today—just one dollar. According to FOX5 Atlanta, this home harks back to the 1840s and was notably a headquarters for Union forces and a Confederate field hospital during the Civil War. "It was a Union headquarters for General Kenner Garrard," said Trevor Beemon, executive director of Cobb Landmarks. He further added that old newspaper articles spoke of blood stains still marking the floorboards, a testament to its use in the time of war.
To prevent its impending destruction due to the encroaching tide of modern development, Cobb Landmarks has placed this historical edifice on the market, looking to find a buyer determined to keep alive its history. But, in an echo of the complex narratives that follow such houses, the offer comes with a significant catch. The individual or entity willing to take ownership of the McAfee House will must to bear the cost of moving it and agree to preserve its architectural integrity. This act of preservation comes as a race against time with an application deadline of January 17 and the move needing to be completed by May 15.
As reported by Atlanta News First, the McAfee House’s survival to date is nothing short of remarkable amidst the urban swell that has reduced its once sprawling farmland down to just two acres. Trevor Beemon pointed out how the house has "been for sale for years," its real estate potential growing as it sat at the crossroads of progression and preservation. "It’s really a miracle the house has survived all this time," Beemon remarked, recognizing the irony in its survival thus far.
Whoever is chosen to take on this relic must be prepared not just to honor its past, but also to invest heavily in its future. Moving the antiquated structure could run up to $200,000, a sizeable investment into the ghost of history. Yet, in a nod to those who believe in preservation over profit, Beemon expressed optimism: "All the signs are there that this should work," with hope hinging upon finding the right steward with both the resources and resolve to carry the house forward, according to Atlanta News First.
