In July 2020, the antebellum mansion once home to the Stevens family burned to the ground after a lightning strike. The Greek Revival home was built in the 1850s in what became known as Stevens Pottery, Georgia. It was likely built with enslaved labor since the 1860 Slave Census listed the family holding 13 men, women, and children in bondage.

The current home looks quite similar to the old structure but with additional wings added to each side. Below is an image from Georgia’s Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources GIS website.

Founded by Henry Stevens in Baldwin County, “The Pottery,” as it was once known, built up around a sawmill and pottery. After the Civil War, the saw mill and pottery was the largest industry in Baldwin County. Remnants of the old pottery can still be seen through a fence and overgrowth.

I became interested in Stevens Pottery because I told that the Stephens Grave Covers were likely made and fired here, so I decided to visit the community. It does not seem that the two families are connected.