THE PONDER HOUSE

[Robert Gray]

The Potter (Ponder) House. This photograph was taken shortly after the Battle of Atlanta in 1864 by George N. Barnard. Ephraim G. Ponder acquired the land and built this residence in 1857. The smaller structure visible to the left was the kitchen. During the Battle of Atlanta, Ponder's house was used by Confederate sharpshooters, and was heavily bombarded by Union artillery causing extensive damage. After the battle, the house was never rebuilt or reoccupied by the Ponder family.

(Southern Methodist University Collection)

 

[Patrick H]

Wow. That's some serious damage!

 

[mofederal]

That was very heavy shelling. It would have needed very extensive rebuilding to even stay in, I can't say I would blame the owners.

 

[AUG]

Actually it wasn't on the actual battleground of the Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. IIRC, it was on the western side of Atlanta and was used by Confederate sharpshooters during the siege. Outside of the major battles there was a lot of intense skirmishing going on between the opposing lines.

This is another famous photo of the Ponder House.