Historic Homes Dot Gwinnett County Landscape

"History of Gwinnett" is a column that usually will run once a week. We will feature historic places, people and events. If you have any suggestions for future columns, email Crystal.Huskey@patch.com.

Gwinnett County has a rich, long and interesting history. Stop by these historic homes and landmarks for an up-close and personal experience. 

Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville

After a trio of bootleggers burned down the courthouse in Lawrenceville in 1871 -- because it's easier to just burn down the whole building instead of going inside and stealing the evidence, apparently -- Gwinnett County officials rebuilt the current historic courthouse in 1885. (Ironically, the evidence the bootleggers wanted to get rid of survived the fire. Other historic documents did not.) The courthouse is open to the public for tours. You can see char marks in the basement from the fire.

Chesser-Williams House

This is one of the oldest houses in Gwinnett County. Located off Braselton Highway, it was owner occupied until 2008, when the family donated it to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. It was relocated to the heritage center at a cost of $320,000.  

Elisha Winn House

The Elisha Winn House is near Dacula and was built by one of the founding fathers of Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Historical Society has restored the home, and it's open for tours. Built in 1812, this is possibly the oldest home in all of metro Atlanta. The GHS also moved a cotton mill and a one-room school to the property. 

See also:

• Ancient Indian Burial Grounds in Gwinnett County

-- Do you have any good Gwinnett County ghost stories? Email Crystal.Huskey@patch.com. --