From peacocks to porches, Flannery O’Connor’s Georgia residence, a family farm known as Andalusia, whisks you back in time and gives a glimpse into the renowned author’s life. At Andalusia and beyond, the Southern writer’s hometown is hosting a slew of exciting events celebrating her 100th birthday.
A diminutive but forceful woman, Flannery spent three years at the writing workshop of the University of Iowa and earned a master’s in fine arts. Inspired and motivated by the publication of her first short story, “The Geranium,” at the age of 21, she immersed herself in writing. Interest in her work was growing, but when visiting home for Christmas in 1950, she was diagnosed with lupus. She remained on the family farm until her death in 1964 at the age of 39.
She lived a disciplined life upon her return to her hometown of Milledgeville, Georgia, writing and tending to her cherished peacocks and other fowl while drawing from her Southern roots in her work. All the while, she grappled with the debilitating disease—her mother, Regina Cline O’Connor, vigilantly at her side.
Nearly every day, Flannery wrote for two or three hours at her desk in the ground floor parlor, which had been converted into a bedroom and workspace. Visitors will find nearly everything in her room exactly as she left it.
While somewhat limited physically, Flannery participated in the world from the white clapboard house where she wrote novels, essays, letters, and short stories. In celebration of her work, Georgia College & State University is honoring her with a weeklong birthday celebration including lectures, live music, picnics, and more.
Awaiting visitors today on the broad screened veranda at Andalusia is a line of white rocking chairs, much as they were when Flannery conducted literary gatherings or congenial afternoon chats. Enjoy free tours of the home during the birthday celebrations, courtesy of the stewards who lovingly maintain the property today.
After Flannery’s death and burial in Memory Hill Cemetery in downtown Milledgeville, Regina couldn’t bear to return to the farm that she had run for nearly three decades. Eventually, the family formed a foundation and opened Andalusia to the public in 2003. Finding the upkeep expensive, they gave it to Georgia College in 2017. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and see the farm buildings, including a milking room, and two peacocks kept on-site to help maintain Flannery’s esprit.
Once you’ve explored the beloved author’s house, while away the hours in downtown Milledgeville’s welcoming shops and eateries. Catch spring blossoms in bloom throughout the town’s historic district, which includes Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, and Classic Revival houses. Or hop aboard the trolley to discover Milledgeville’s history during its 68-year period as Georgia’s capital.
Photography by John O’Hagan.
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