Thomas E. Watson House

The administrative headquarters of the Watson-Brown Foundation is located in the first home of Thomas E. Watson at 310 Tom Watson Way (formerly 310 Lumpkin Street). Soon after passing the state Bar, Watson returned to Thomson to begin his law practice. He purchased this Victorian house in 1881 and lived there until 1900, when he purchased a nearby mansion he would later call Hickory Hill.

In his first home Watson raised his family, practiced law, successfully ran for the Georgia General Assembly and U.S. Congress. Watson lived here when he was defeated in 1896 as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Populist Party. Afterwards, Watson resumed a thriving law practice and began a prolific writing and publishing career. The southernmost first floor room, accented by its narrow bay window, served as Watson's law office. It was here that Watson counseled clients, organized his political campaigns and wrote, among other histories, his respected two-volume Story of France.

The Victorian home contains family photographs, political memorabilia and period furniture that formerly belonged to Foundation namesakes Thomas E. Watson and J.J. Brown. It is surrounded by six acres of gardens. The Thomas E. Watson House is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is available for tours by appointment.

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