Massee Lane
Also known as: Massee Plantation
Why it's listed
Massee Lane is a one-story frame vernacular house and working farm near Marshallville in Macon County, Georgia. Needham Massee moved to the area in 1827 and built the plantation, where cotton was planted on land that originally stretched from Marshallville to Fort Valley. The house began with five rooms off a central hall, with 11-foot-3-inch ceilings and pegged sills and joists. Later changes include a Victorian-era porch alteration, an added room and remodelled back porch in 1910, and a kitchen remodelled in 1964. Brick chimneys remain, and frame and brick outbuildings north of the house include several dating to the mid-nineteenth century. In 1851 Massee donated part of his land as a railroad right-of-way on the condition that Massee Lane be a stop. Six generations of the family have lived here. The property matters for its role in early settlement, its early vernacular architecture and its status as the best intact operating farm in Marshallville.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the plantation is important to the early settlement of Macon County and as a very early example of vernacular architecture. Massee's success with cotton encouraged other settlers and planters to move into the area. It is described as the best intact example of an operating farm in Marshallville because of its many remaining outbuildings. The railroad right-of-way Massee donated in 1851 also helped bring settlers and secure the community's prominence.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 80004450, listed November 25, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Rt. 1, Marshallville |
|---|---|
| County | Macon County |
| Listed | November 25, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80004450 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Needham Massee |
| Architectural style | Vernacular |
| Areas of significance | Transportation, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture, Agriculture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and still in use as a residence and working farm. |
| Acreage | 455 |
| Coordinates | 32.48943, -83.93572 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 80004450.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.