National Register Listing

Davis-Guttenberger-Rankin House

a.k.a. Goodwin Rankin House

134 Buford Pl., Macon, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history houses residential buildings
The city of Savannah, Georgia was the first planned city in America. It was laid out in a grid pattern with squares for public use, and this design was later copied by other cities throughout the country.
Georgia random facts
Bibb County, Georgia has a rich and diverse history that spans back to its establishment in the early 19th century. The county was created in 1822 and named in honor of William Wyatt Bibb, the first elected Governor of Alabama and a United States Senator from Georgia. Settlers from various backgrounds, including Native Americans and European colonists, were drawn to the fertile lands and natural resources of the area.

During the 19th century, Bibb County experienced substantial growth as cotton became a dominant industry. Plantations sprung up across the county, supported by a large number of enslaved African Americans who were forced into labor. The county became an important center for cotton production and trade, attracting wealthy plantation owners and boosting the region's economy.

The Civil War brought significant challenges to Bibb County, as it did to many southern counties. The area was occupied by Union troops for a time, and many citizens faced the destruction and financial ruin caused by the conflict. Despite these difficulties, the county gradually recovered and continued to develop its agricultural and industrial sectors in the post-war years.

Throughout the 20th century, Bibb County saw further diversification of its economy. The development of the rail system, along with advancements in technology, helped to establish the county as a transportation and manufacturing hub. Macon, the county seat and largest city, became known as the "Heart of Georgia" due to its central location and its crucial role in the state's economic growth.

Today, Bibb County boasts a flourishing economy with a mix of industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. It is also home to several renowned educational institutions, including Mercer University. The county continues to preserve its historical landmarks, such as the Hay House and the Ocmulgee National Monument, and celebrates its diverse cultural heritage through various annual events and festivals.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bibb County, Georgia.

  • 1822 - Bibb County is established on December 9.
  • 1823 - Macon is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1836 - Wesleyan College, the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women, is founded in Macon.
  • 1864 - Macon is captured and occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
  • 1895 - The Ocmulgee National Monument is established near Macon.
  • 1942 - Robins Air Force Base is established in Warner Robins.
  • 1955 - The Tubman Museum, dedicated to African American art, history, and culture, opens in Macon.
  • 1970 - Macon-Bibb County is consolidated, combining the city of Macon with Bibb County.
  • 1996 - The Georgia Music Hall of Fame opens in Macon.
  • 2014 - Macon-Bibb County becomes a consolidated city-county government.