The Smith House

HospitalityGeorgia, United States11-50 Employees

The history of the Smith House traces back to 1884, when a gentleman by the name of Captain Frank Hall purchased an acre of land east of the Dahlonega town square to build a “Grand  House.”   In 1922, Henry and Bessie Smith purchased the Hall property and opened a boarding house for hungry guests and travelers. They converted the seven rooms to accommodate guests for overnight stays, and Bessie began cooking delicious meals served on the long communal tables that we are still famous for today. Her buttermilk fried chicken, country ham, and garden fresh vegetables became the signature foods of the Smith House. Fame of her cooking quickly spread, and people traveled to Dahlonega to experience the Smith’s hospitality. At that time, the price of a room and meal was $1.50 a day.

Soon after the Welch family purchased the building in 1970, Freddy Welch immediately started expanding the operations his parents, Fred and Thelma, had established, creating larger dining spaces and bigger kitchens. The business grew with the help of his wife, Shirley, and after the expansions they could serve up to 2000 people on a given day.

During restaurant renovations in 2006, a rumored Gold Mine shaft under the Smith House was rediscovered.  Today, the gold mine shaft is visible from the restaurant.  The hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and the Smith House now hosts a special events venue that is great for weddings, birthdays, etc.

Escape to Dahlonega Georgia and "Rediscover The Tradition"!

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