Historic buildings across metro Atlanta are revealing their true ages—one tree ring at a time. A groundbreaking project is combining science and heritage by using dendrochronology to verify and sometimes challenge the accepted construction dates of iconic structures. This innovative collaboration promises to deepen understanding of Atlanta’s architectural past and spark new preservation efforts.
Science Meets History
Cobb Landmarks, a local nonprofit, is pioneering the use of tree ring analysis—dendrochronology—to determine exactly when the timber in historic buildings was harvested, potentially rewriting parts of Atlanta’s architectural timeline. Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating tree rings to determine the exact year each ring was formed, allowing researchers to pinpoint the age of wooden materials with remarkable precision.
Collaboration with University Students
The project partners with University of West Georgia professors and students, who collect 12 to 15 wood samples from buildings around the metro area, turning academic expertise into tangible community impact. “This is an opportunity for us to partner with science to help make sure that the history that we’re sharing is as accurate as possible,” said Trevor Beemon, Cobb Landmarks’ executive director.
Buildings Under the Microscope
Structures like the William Root House, Power-Jackson Cabin, Brumby Hall, Mimosa Hall, and various South Downtown Atlanta buildings are being studied. These samples come from buildings undergoing rehabilitation, giving insight before redevelopment. Bryan Capps Jr., project manager for South Downtown, called it “really the one chance” to uncover authentic histories before changes erase original details.
Discovering Hidden Stories
Many buildings show signs of “stitching” — patched repairs, missing walls, and bricked-over windows — hinting at centuries of adaptation and concealment beneath their facades. These clues make the scientific dating even more crucial for accurate histories.
Challenging Historical Timelines
There is speculation that the Root House, a mid-19th-century museum, might be older than its official 1845 construction date, which would place it among the oldest structures in Marietta. “It’s already a significant structure, but it could be even more significant if it predates 1845,” said Beemon.
Preserving Atlanta’s Enduring Legacy
The study has the potential to debunk the belief that Atlanta was entirely destroyed during Gen. Sherman’s March to the Sea, showing that many historic buildings survived or were built earlier than thought. Capps hopes the project “spurs renewed interest in preserving what’s left of Atlanta’s very old history.”
A Future Rooted in the Past
By combining scientific rigor with historical passion, this project not only safeguards buildings but also strengthens Atlanta’s connection to its authentic past, ensuring future generations know the real stories behind the city’s oldest landmarks.
