Cruise Along the Flemington Driving Tour
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, the Flemington Driving Tour is a must-see for you! It is full of beautiful historic homes with architecture that is over 200 years old. With a total of 12 stops, you can drive along the route that showcases the former community of Gravel Hill – now known as Flemington. This tour is self-guided, so visitors can take their time and see the history without ever leaving the comfort of their vehicle! Keep reading to learn a little more about the community and each of the stops.
A Brief History
Many of the original property owners in Midway began to establish summer homes in what they termed “pine lands,” on higher and healthier ground which was located 10-15 miles from the swamps where they had originally settled. In 1815, William Fleming surveyed a tract of unsettled land 10 miles west of Midway for a retreat which he named Gravel Hill. He selected a parcel of land to build his summer home and gave the remaining lots to several of his friends. The exact date of the organization of the society at Gravel Hill is not known. The earliest found record was in the year 1832. It was not until 1850 that it was voted to change the name from Gravel Hill to Flemington in honor of Mr. Fleming.
Before cruising along the tour please note that some of the sites are private residences/property. This is a driving tour only and entrance onto the grounds is not allowed. Please be respectful of the homeowners’ privacy!
Now let’s go…
#1) Flemington City Hall
📸 Tammy Lee Bradley
The first stop on the tour formerly served as the home for the minister of the Flemington Presbyterian Church. In 2005, it became Flemington City Hall. If it’s a weekday, you might be lucky enough to pop in and meet the Mayor!
#2) Fraser-Davis House
Captain James Bacon Fraser built the home at stop #2 in 1870! It is a raised cottage style with Victorian additions.
#3) Flemington Presbyterian Church
📸 Tammy Lee Bradley
The church at stop #3 is almost 200 years old! It is still an active parish with regular services.
#4) Cassels-Miles House
This original summer home at stop #4 has recently been transformed into Liberty County’s only bed and breakfast, the Old Savannah House B&B. It is the perfect place to book your next stay and immerse yourself in our history!
#5) Luther Quarterman House
📸 Tammy Lee Bradley
Stop #5 on the tour was built in 1939 for Luther Quarterman. He was a descendant of the original Quarterman family, who were large landowners throughout the community.
#6) Jack’s Hill
John Martin built the original two-story house known as Jack’s Hill in 1803. It burned in 1872 and was rebuilt in 1883 using the brick from the original chimneys for the foundation!
#7) Donald Martin, Sr. House
Sometime between 1910 and 1920 stop #7 was built for Donald Martin, Sr. Fun fact: his son, Donald Martin, Jr. was president of the Hinesville Bank, currently known as First Bank!
#8) Marion F. Martin House
Marion F. Martin built the home at stop #8 from lumber milled by his own business for only $3,700 in 1907! The property now serves as the Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home.
#9) Stacy’s Store
The exact date Mr. William Bates Trask built the store at stop #9 is unknown, but he and Fredrick Newsom Lyons operated it along with a post office.
#10) Trask House
The home at stop #10 was also built by William B. Trask in the late I800s. It was formerly known as Stacy’s Florist and is now home to Florabelle Flowers and Gifts!
#11) Roselon Plantation
Richard Baxter Cassels built this Victorian Italianate home in the late 1800s on his father’s plantation.
#12) Peter Fleming-Martin House
In the 1880s, stop #12 originally belonged to William Wilson Winn, a professor at an early institution of learning called the Tranquil Institute. Peter Fleming Martin purchased and remodeled the home in 1887!
What are you waiting for?! Come see us to #ExploreLiberty and enjoy the Flemington Driving Tour! If you get hungry while you’re here, be sure to check out some of our favorite local restaurants. We’ve got something for everyone here in Liberty County!
