On a recent, beautiful fall morning the sound of a fiddler could be heard on South Lumpkin Road in Columbus along with the jingling of harnesses as Sarah and Grace came out of semi-retirement to enliven the trip from a nearby parking lot to Westville's new site. 

Costumed volunteers greeted guests, and they were almost as popular as the Westville gingerbread.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, Historic Westville held its groundbreaking ceremony at our new location in Columbus, Georgia. This was not your typical groundbreaking ceremony.There wasn't a golden shovel in sight; there were push plows. 

From humble beginnings 87 years ago in Jonesboro as the "Fair of 1850," to a 1970 expansion and opening in Lumpkin, GA, as an 1850s town, Historic Westville exemplified Southern culture and history through its growing collection of artifacts and authentic historic structures.  Now, in 2016, we will embark on our next chapter as we expand the interpretive period and the visitor experiences to reach a wider audience.

Re-opening at its new location in late 2018, Historic Westville will embody the history of the 19th century South, a very pivotal and turbulent period in American history. Westville's 30 historic structures and over 5,000 artifacts will support the experience at its new location in Columbus, GA.

Westville will introduce visitors to the diverse group of people who lived in the Chattahoochee River Valley during the 19th century and explore their ideas, customs, and ways of living. Through exhibits, tours and hands-on experiences, Westville will help the visitor see forward and backward in time and gain a new understanding of the forces and peoples that shaped the region and formed the basis of who we are today.

The sounds along South Lumpkin Road promise to continue to be interesting. The sound of school children squealing with delight are often heard at nearby Oxbow Meadows as they spy snakes, gators and turtles. Military bands and a rousing "Hooah" are heard weekly at the National Infantry Museum. In the future, what sounds will Westville will add to this delightful medley?