ENJOY OUR FASCINATING TOURS
Historical Tour (cherokee history of the ranch)
The Seventy-four Ranch is a working cattle and horse ranch, and a unique
bed and breakfast. Our mission is preservation of mountain skills
and the rich history of these North Georgia foothills.
The rolling hills of the ranch are listed in the land lottery as "improved
" Cherokee land, meaning Cherokees occupied or used it. No one knows
whether it had fencing, a barn or a home, or all of the above.
The historic Butler-Cape
House is the centerpiece of the ranch. Cherokee-style chimneys, made
of quarried stone and mud grace the sides of the home. The mortar visitors
see now in some places on the outside of the chimneys was added much later.
There is debate when the home was built. Some say it's Civil War era but
one historic preservationist architect has told the owners it is pre-1850.
It shares some details with the Chief Vann House, such as the width of the
boards used and window fasteners.
The so-called Trail of Tears began a few miles away in Blaine, Georgia for
the Cherokees who lived in this area. They were held at Fort Newnan, and
many are still buried there in a cemetery on private land.
A visit to the ranch will include a tour of the stately Butler-Cape House,
which is filled with antiques dating from the 1600's. Guests in rooms inside
the home enjoy the original floors and window panes as well as antiques
and original art.
The ranch's rustic cabins also feature original art, artifacts and antiques.
Tour guests and lodgers see the workings of the ranch, and learn how quarter
horses are bred and trained there. They also learn about the Cherokee history,
as well as the Scarecorn Creek Massacre, which happened across the street
during the Civil War. They hear in detail about the three murders associated
with the house during North Georgia's infamous Moonshine Wars.
The ranch features nine libraries and plenty of cozy places to pick up one
of those good books. Inviting porches and wooden lawn chairs make it easy
to relax and watch the ranch-bred quarter horses and Corriente cattle mosey
on by.
Hearty ranch breakfasts
served on an 1800's French farm house table feature organic ingredients
and ranch produce.
Ranch Tour
Learn all about running a cattle ranch and a riding facility during this hands on tour of the Seventy-four Ranch. You’ll go out in the fields in “Ole Blue”, our old ranch truck, and get up close to our Carriente and Texas Longhorn cattle, while learning about pedigrees and breeding.
Back at the ranch you’ll see our foaling center, learn about imprint training and why the American Quarter horse is our country’s favorite breed. Meet our horses, feed some treats, try your hand at roping our “lawn cattle” and visit our tack room and learn about different types of saddles.
