Pebble Hill: A Glimpse into Auburn's Past

Pebble Hill, an enduring landmark in Auburn, Alabama, offers a window into the region's rich history and cultural heritage [3, 4, 5]. Constructed in 1847, this charming antebellum cottage, also known as the Scott-Yarbrough House, stands as a testament to a bygone era [3, 4]. The home is named for Colonel Nathaniel J. Scott, who built the home, and the Yarbrough family, who owned the property for many years [4]. Originally part of Creek Tribe territory, the land where Pebble Hill resides was included in the Treaty of Cusseta in 1832 [4]. Colonel Nathaniel J. Scott and his wife, Mary K., were among the early settlers who helped develop the town of Auburn [4, 6]. Scott, a town commissioner and state senator, built Pebble Hill at the center of his 100-acre plantation [4, 6]. The house was constructed in the Greek Revival style, featuring hand-hewn heart-of-pine floors, with wooden pegs holding together the joists and rafters [4]. Over the years, Pebble Hill has undergone several ownerships and renovations [4]. The Auburn Heritage Association purchased the property in 1974 and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 [4]. In 1985, it was donated to Auburn University and now houses the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities [4, 5]. The center hosts events such as the Third Thursday Poetry Series, the Southern Aesthetics Workshop, and the Black Belt Treasures program [11, 15, 22]. Today, Pebble Hill stands as a monument of history and culture for the Auburn-Opelika area [3]. Visitors can explore the house through self-guided tours and experience the beautiful architecture and grounds [5, 20].