This is one of the oldest houses in Fort Gaines and aside from being enlarged and stylistic elements added, retains much of its original appearance.
Fort Gaines Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Sutlive House, 1820, Fort Gaines
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown
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What’s the status, as of today, 12/28/2025, of my Grandmother’s birthplace? Has it been bulldozed or has someone bought it to restore?
Hi Laurel! I met with Richard and his wife Francis and I have agreed to help consult them with the house. Although, in bad shape, I would say it’s not endangered of being lost just yet.
This was Richard Crozier’s grandmother’s house so he has an attachment to the house. It needs a new roof immediately and there are some vulnerable structural points within the house, and of course, the failed porch.
Having restored 11 historic homes myself, I feel hopeful this one can be addressed and will stand many more years to come.
Attention Sandra Kennedy: You stated on Facebook (I don’t “do” Facebook) that the original owner of this 1820 Sutlive house was Dr. Crozier. If this were the case, why is it called the Sutlive house? I have a lot of ancestral records from my Father’s (Winston Sutlive Cummings) side. As I’ve mentioned above, his Mother, Hattie Mae Sutlive (my Grandmother) probably grew up in this Sutlive home (there are two other historic Sutlive homes in Fort Gaines, GA). Her parents were James W. Sutlive (1828-1890) and Harriett Wardlaw (1835-1905). I think the original owner was James W. Sutlive, Sr (1793-1840).
This house is in severe disrepair and is almost to the point of falling in….the porches are ready to fall off the house and they will bring part of the front of the house with it. SO SAD
Sadly, the Sutlive house has fallen into disrepair and appears to be headed toward falling in on itself.
Who owns the property and why? I would love to restore that home.
I just looked up Sutlive homes on Washington St., Fort Gaines, GA, Clay Cty. Property Appraiser’s website. There are 3 addresses; 102, 106 and 204. I believe the birthplace of my Grandmother (Hattie Mae Sutlive Cummings) is the one at 204. It is in pitiful condition. It is owned by: Crozier Consulting & Millwright Services
What has become of the 1820 Sutlive house at this time Jan 2024?
As I mentioned above, my Grandmother (Father’s side) was Hattie May (or Mae?) Sutlive. Her parents were James Sutlive and Harriett Wardlaw. I would love to know which house in Fort Gaines, GA was her birthplace.
By the 1940’s my Grandfather, Frederick Edward Cummings had been living in Atlanta for years (since 1911, I think). My Father, Winston Sutlive Cummings was born in Atlanta in 1912.
My name is Josephine L Sutlive. Mr deceased father
was John L Sutlive. His grand father or great grandfather was one of the founders of Ft. Gaines.
My sister Jane Sutlive Collins visited the Sutlive House and the museum several years ago. I am interested in knowing more of the Sutlive history as related to Ft. Gaines.
I’m Laurel Lee Cummings. My Grandparents were Hattie May Sutlive, who was born in Fort Gaines, GA and Fred Edward Cummings, who was born in Grand Rapids, MI. They both died in Atlanta, GA.
Was your grandfather Fred Cummings a businessman in Hastings MI or Grand Rapids MI in the 1940’s?
Old southern architecture for sure. It’s wonderful that it’s still cared for.