Valdosta Scene February 2023 | Page 16

Scene spotlight

PRESERVATION

Valdosta Heritage Foundation House Tours

by MALIA THOMAS photos by VICKIE EVERITTE

The Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts House is Valdosta ’ s oldest house , built in 1845 , and is in the Fairview Historic District at 206 Wells Street . The Fairview Historic District , which includes this home , was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 . William E . Wisenbaker , a pioneer farmer in Lowndes County , built this historic mansion in 1845 . A raised brick pier foundation supported the four rooms of this dogtrot hut . Wisenbaker and his wife Lydia Ann Crews ’ 11 children were born here in 1839 , the year of their marriage . In 1859 , Wisenbaker offered 144 acres of land to Georgia Assembly commissioners so that they might establish a town along the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad .

The Lloyd Greer Home Tours have exposed dozens of South Georgia residents to the history of the city ’ s origins .

16 Valdosta Scene | February 2023