Carr, Thomas, District

Northwest of Thomson in McDuffie County, this rural district preserves part of Thomas Carr's plantation, once about 2,250 acres. It holds five houses: "Alexandria," "Snow Hill," and the Bohler, Simpson and Minton houses. Carr built "Alexandria," a two-story common-bond brick house with a central hall and a columned wooden portico, between 1803 and 1806. Bills and contracts kept at the University of Georgia record its craftsmen, materials and prices in unusual detail. It is the earliest surviving brick house in Georgia that can be dated by documents, and it has rare rubbed and gauged brick arches. Carr fought in the Revolution, served in the legislature, and was involved in the Yazoo land companies. "Alexandria" is the only extant Georgia house owned by someone connected to that affair. After his death in 1820 the estate was divided between his sons, and "Snow Hill" was built on one portion. The smaller houses show how the property changed over time. The setting remains open farmland.