Major Young James Long, a Tennessee native, moved to Newnan shortly after it was settled and built his house nearby. Active in the community, he practiced law, served as county Solicitor-General and became a planter. 

In 1980, this 1846 Greek Revival home was purchased by, and used as, a church, which made alterations to the house including narrowing doorways and replacing windows (left).  Twenty years later, the church had outgrown the structure. Rather than demolish it, church members agreed to give the house to Georgia Shapiro provided she move it from church grounds.

In the fall of 2001, the house was moved to a vacant lot in downtown Newnan - preservationists typically avoid moving a historic building, and then only as a last option to save it from demolition. Using historic photographs and a former resident’s diary, the new owner painstakingly restored the house to its mid-1800s appearance. 

Read more about the Major Long House's Excellence in Restoration Preservation Award