During its history as an inn, tavern, private home, restaurant, and museum, the Brown Stetson Sanford House has been a witness to local history as played both inside and outside its walls. It is one of the last remaining early inns and taverns in Milledgeville (1825-1850) and the only one open to the public for tours.  

Legislators flocked to the capital as a thriving commercial district sprang up around the capital. Over the years the inn became headquarters for the Whig political party, and one can only imagine the political debates that took place inside its walls. 

In 1857, Daniel Burrell Stetson bought it as a home for his family. Generations of Stetsons lived in the house until 1950 when it was leased to two ladies who opened a restaurant on the first floor. After running the restaurant for 15 years, the ladies retired, and the lot on which the house was built was sold for a parking lot. With destruction of the house imminent, the owners were approached by members of The Old Capital Historical Society with a plan to relocate and restore the house as a community center.  

 The house’s rescue from destruction and relocation to its present location in 1966 drew attention to the loss of historic architectural treasures in Milledgeville. In addition to providing a civic center, the rescue sparked the local preservation movement and the creation of the Downtown Historic District.

The house serves as a house museum that reflects life in Milledgeville from 1857-1890. In addition, the house is a venue for small weddings, civic and social club meetings, The Depot events and fundraisers.