By Rebecca Drew
HAUNTING pictures have revealed the crumbling remains of the plantation home of an African-American civil rights activist who is buried in the back garden.
The eerie images show wallpaper peeling from the walls, ceilings collapsing and broken windows. Moth-eaten curtains hang from the windows allowing the light to pour through.
One shot depicts a lone chest of drawers strewn across a room whilst another shows how mother nature has reclaimed what was once hers with ivy growing up the outside of the house.
The spooky pictures were taken at the home of Dr John McCown by urban explorer, Abandoned Southeast at Hancock County, Georgia, USA.
“This is a plantation home that dates back to 1917 and was sold to Dr John McCown in the late 1960s,” said Abandoned Southeast.
“McCown was a civil rights leader who died in a plane crash after piloting a plane intoxicated.
“After his death, his home along with many other businesses were tied up in scandal. Hancock County is one of the poorest counties in all of the United States where this home resides.
“There were no obstacles when we visited. I love the architecture and discovering what is forgotten from the past.”
In the 1960s, 90 per cent of Hancock County’s population consisted of African Americans. In 1967, Dr John McCown bought the house and moved to the area to help black voter registration.
As part of the East Central Committee for Opportunity (ECCO), McCown investigated the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to find out why so few African Americans were given housing loans. After the investigation, more African Americans were granted loans.
Abandoned Southeast took these pictures using a Canon DSLR equipped with a Tamron wide angle lens.
“A friend told me about the house, but did not know the owner was buried in the backyard,” said Abandoned Southeast.
“I want to show others what history and amazing stories are all over South-eastern USA.
“People are amazed at what I photograph. I just want to share my explores with others so they can see in photos what I see when I am there.”
For more information see www.abandonedsoutheast.com
