Pebble Hill

Nestled in the charming town of Auburn, Alabama, Pebble Hill stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. This antebellum cottage, also known as the Scott-Yarbrough House, is an architectural gem that has witnessed the ebb and flow of time and history. Today, it serves as the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

The Historical Tapestry of Pebble Hill

The story of Pebble Hill begins long before the house was built. The land on which it stands was once part of the Creek Tribe's territory. The Treaty of Cusseta, signed on March 24, 1832, marked a significant turning point, as the Creeks ceded a portion of their land in Alabama in exchange for allotments. Despite the treaty's promises, the Creeks faced numerous challenges in retaining their land, leading to the suspension of the treaty in 1836 due to ongoing violence. The land was initially allotted to Nelocco Harjo, a Creek native, and later to Paddy Carr, a Creek Tribe translator.

The Scotts and the Civil War Era

In the 1830s, Colonel Nathaniel J. Scott and Mary K. Scott migrated to east Alabama, playing a pivotal role in the development of Auburn. By 1846, the Scotts had acquired the land where Pebble Hill now stands, purchasing it for $800. In 1847, they built the house, a Greek Revival-style cottage, at the center of a 100-acre plantation. The construction featured hand-hewn heart of pine floors, with joists and rafters held together by wooden pegs.

During this period, the upkeep and maintenance of Pebble Hill were largely the result of the labor of enslaved African Americans, with the Scotts owning an estimated 40-60 slaves before the end of the Civil War. The war itself brought turmoil to Pebble Hill, as Wilson's Raiders looted the home. However, many valuables remained hidden, buried near a spring on the property. Following the Civil War, Mary K. Scott sold Pebble Hill, marking the end of an era for the Scott family.

Mary Virginia Riley's Ownership

For a time, Pebble Hill was managed by absentee owners until Mary Virginia Riley purchased the land in 1876. A widow, Riley's tenure at Pebble Hill remains somewhat mysterious, with few records detailing her use of the property. She lived at Pebble Hill until her death in 1907, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in quiet resilience.

The Yarbrough Family's Long Stewardship

In 1912, Cecil S. Yarbrough, a state representative and three-time mayor of Auburn, acquired Pebble Hill. His wife, Bertha Mae Yarbrough, was a native of Auburn and a recent graduate of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). The Yarbroughs had five children, and the family maintained ownership of Pebble Hill until 1974 when Clarke S. Yarbrough sold the property.

During their 70-year stewardship, the Yarbroughs rented parts of the house to students, and the size of the property gradually decreased as Auburn's population grew. By the time the land was sold, Pebble Hill was surrounded by apartments and housing, a testament to the town's expansion over the decades.

Restoration and Modern-Day Pebble Hill

The Auburn Heritage Association purchased Pebble Hill in 1974, embarking on a mission to restore the historic property. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 16, 1975, and after a period of restoration, it was donated to Auburn University in 1985. Further renovations in the mid-2010s, funded by a philanthropic donation, have ensured that Pebble Hill remains a well-preserved historical site.

Today, Pebble Hill features an additional house on the property, used for assembly events, while the main house's interior showcases a collection of 19th and 20th-century artifacts, including portraits, art, and old Alabama maps. The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Auburn University now calls Pebble Hill home, hosting tours and programs that delve into art, history, and literature.

In conclusion, Pebble Hill is not just a historic house; it is a living monument to the rich cultural tapestry of Auburn, Alabama. Its walls echo the stories of the Creek Tribe, the Scotts, the Yarbroughs, and countless others who have walked its halls. For visitors, Pebble Hill offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the intricate layers of history that have shaped this remarkable place. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Pebble Hill promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.