Historic Brooks County, Georgia Plantation to be Sold to Highest Bidder

A piece of history – a community’s history and a family’s history – will be sold to the highest bidder on May 30. Located in Quitman, Ga., the 1253-acre property has been a working plantation since the 1800s.

“This land was purchased in 1854 by Dr. Henry M. Fearnside, a highly acclaimed Civil War era surgeon. Fearnside soon built an impressive colonial home on the property, which also housed his medical office, pharmacy and infirmary. In the late 1930s the plantation was purchased by H.R. Garrett and has remained in the family ever since,” said Myers Jackson, auctioneer/broker with United Country – Certified Real Estate.

Dr. Fearnside and many members of his family are buried in the Madison Cemetery and the story of the Fernside Plantation was chronicled by Janie Garrett Jordan for The United Daughters of the Confederacy publication, Historic Treasures of Brooks Bounty, Georgia (volume two). Among the many interesting stories attached to this property is the tale of the sunken Magnolia Tree located near the home. It’s said that after the sale of the plantation by the Fearnside family, a subsequent owner removed several wagon loads of Dr. Fearnside’s office contents, including old bottles, instruments and records. After dumping the items down an old well in the front yard, the well was filled with dirt and a magnolia tree was planted on that spot.

Over the years, the tree continued to sink further into the well. Today, the tree’s trunk remains totally submerged with only the limbs visible above ground. “This property has not been available for purchase since the 1930s, so the auction presents a great opportunity for buyers,” said Myers Jackson.

Rich in both history and future potential, the 1,255-acre Fernside Plantation offers a perennial peanut hay crop with irrigation, 100-acre pond, excellent timber growth and year-round hunting opportunities. The auction will take place on-site at the Fernside Plantation, 275 Fernside Drive in Quitman, Ga., on Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m. On-line bidding will also be available. The property will be offered divided, high bidder’s choice.

More information about the auction can be found online at www.CertifiedRealEstateAuctions.com or by calling 800-711-9175.