It was already official, but as of Friday morning, Tom Watson's home is marked as an important historical site in Georgia.
The Georgia Historical Society and the Watson-Brown Foundation placed a marker in front of Hickory Hill, the home of the former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate. The marker tells of the houses' importance to the Watson legacy.
"We are honored. We appreciate the fact that the Watson-Brown Foundation is interested in this program and applied for the marker," said Georgia Historical Society President and CEO Todd Groce during the unveiling ceremony.
Dr. Groce added that during this recent round of historical marker approvals, Hickory Hill's was one of only five that were approved out of 20 applications. That, he said underscores the importance of the property.
"I can tell you that during the late 19th century and early 20th century, there was no man that was more important in Georgia, perhaps even more important than the governor than... Tom Watson," Dr. Groce said. "And there was no place that I would say was more important, other than maybe the governor's mansion in Atlanta, than what really is this campus here, the homes of Tom Watson and ultimately here at Hickory Hill, his final home."
After a brief history of the home and Sen. Watson's life, Watson-Brown President Tad Brown introduced Dr. Groce. He and Hickory Hill Curator Michelle Zupan unveiled the new marker, and Ms. Zupan read the text for those present at the ceremony.
