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Summer Tours

Open for tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Come and learn about Chief William McIntosh and the signing of the Indian Springs Treaty of 1825.  See the Federal style architecture and sit on the rocking chairs on the majestic porches.  Wander through the rooms of the hotel and see the hand-planed wide boards, wooden pegs, handmade bricks, etched windows, and the native stone used in the foundation.  Look at the displays of some old tools used in yesteryear, rope beds, spinning wheels and much more. 

Admission is $3.00 for an adult. Children accompanied with an adult are free. 

Special Tours or Rentals:    Please contact us to schedule group tours and rentals for the hotel and church at 770-775-3313 or at buttscountyhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com

Visit the Elizabeth Harris Garden  

This beautiful formal garden at the Indian Spring Hotel was dedicated to the former First Lady of Georgia, Mrs. Elizabeth Harris. The garden is filled with historic flowers and exquisite rose garden. It is maintained by both the Historical Society and the Villa of Flowers Garden Club.  We hope that you will come and see the spectacular blooms and the many species of butterflies that abound in the garden.

Upcoming Events Scheduled:

  Spring Opening of the Village at Indian Springs - April 9, 2011  

  100th Anniversary Celebration of Butts County's Confederate Monument - April 17, 2011 - 3:00PM

The society is pleased to announce the 100^th Anniversary Celebration for the Butts County Confederate Monument.  The ceremony will be at the monument in beautiful downtown Jackson on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 3:00pm.  Plans include music, re-enactors, the placement of wreaths, and “Taps” with Dr. Ed. Hoard.  The guest speaker is Mrs. Homer S. Durden III (Jane), Past President General, UDC.  Make your plans to attend today. 

The statue was originally dedicated on April 24, 1911.  Below is the engraved inscription.  

“In memory of the Confederate Soldiers of Butts County whose undying devotion to duty and self sacrifice in their country’s service, we cherish; and those heroic deeds and patriotism we embalm in stone, as they are enshrined in our hearts.”

The celebration is sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) Cabaniss Chapter #415, James S. Boynton Chapter #222, Henry County Chapter #2411, and the Butts County Historical Society. 

  Native American Festival -September 10-11, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Make plans to attend the 22nd annual Indian Springs Native American Festival and PowWow to be held at the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum.  Bring your family to listen to the old stories, see the colorful Native American regalia, and enjoy the traditional music.  Hear the singing by noted artists and the beating of the ceremonial drums.  The featured performers are the Poarch Creek Stomp Dancers from Atmore, Alabama who will perform dances that can be traced back through the centuries.  We will also be welcoming our special guests, the Winged Ambassadors (Birds of Prey) with Dale Arrowood, Conservationist and Master Falconer, who will provide educational facts and interesting details about each bird.  Don't miss the Grand Entry at 1:00p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.  

Please visit the many Native American vendors featuring arts, crafts, and demonstrations.  The beautiful Indian Spring Hotel/Museum, built by Chief William McIntosh in 1823, will be open for tours and then take a stroll through the lovely Elizabeth Harris garden.  Perhaps you may even see some butterflies!!!   

The hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.   There is a donation of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12.  Infants are free. Free parking is across the street.  For additional information, please contact Trina Mansfield, at 770-655-5905, or e-mail t_r_m@etcmail.com

download pdf festival flyer       download pdf Booth Rental

  Seven Islands Artifacts ID Day - October 8, 2011 - 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 We are thrilled to host the fourth annual Seven Islands Artifacts ID Day at the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.  This event has become the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society's largest Artifacts ID Day in Georgia, with over 200 people bringing artifacts to be identified last year, some dating back to the Paleo Indian period which was 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.

The public is invited to bring their artifacts to be identified and dated by members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society. Archaeologist, Stephen Hammack and several other members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society will be on hand to identify Indian artifacts from all periods and historic artifacts from the earliest days of settlement. Of special note, Georgia Paleoindian Recordation Project Coordinator Jerald Ledbetter and John Whatley, author of “An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools,” will be on hand to identify and record Clovis, Dalton, and other early projectile points. There will be several collections on display, and flintknapping demonstrations by Dave Swetmon.  

For event information contact W.J. Shannon  770-361-7185 or email  wjshannon123@bellsouth.net 

Download Artifact ID Day Flyer

  Jackson Alive - The Family Festival - October 8, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

You are invited to attend Jackson Alive - The Family Festival on October 8, 2010 from 9am - 5pm.  The entire town will be covered with activities and events for the entire family.  There will be story tellers to car shows, entertainment of all kinds, sidewalk sales, etc.  Please visit the Historical Society's booth where there will be information about the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum, the Village at Indian Springs, and some displays.  Learn about the Civil War Events that are coming up with the Civil War Sesquicentennial (150 years) next year.  We will also be selling our latest cookbook entitled "Stirring Up the Past" and the T-shirts.  We hope to see you there.

 download pdf festival flyer       Download pdf festival rackcard

The Historical Society also participates in: Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival at Dauset Trails (always the Saturday of Easter weekend) April 23, 2011.

 Indian Spring "Through the Ages" Celebration

Indian Springs Celebration "Through the Ages" was held on April 29th and 30th, 2006 and celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Georgia State Parks, the Re-opening of the Indian Spring Hotel and the Dogwood Festival. Many thanks go to our partners, the Indian Springs State Park, the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, and Dauset Trails for a highly successful event. Thank you also for all the donations and to all the volunteers who helped make this day possible.
      
         
    

     Eddie Travis, Butts County Commissioner; Frankie Willis, BCHS V. President
     & Restoration Director; Kelly Yielding, Chamber of Commerce; Dan Rowe,
     Deputy Commissioner, GA Dept of Economic Development; Melinda Atha,
     Executive Director Chamber of Commerce; Becky Kelley, Director, State
     Parks & Historic Sites; Harold Linnenkohl, GA DOT; Lonice Barrett,
     Governor's Office; & Sheri Hudson, BCHS President.