A Legacy of Hospitality

An early photograph of students gathered on the front porch of The 1832 Jackson House during its years as a community school, circa 1900.

The Story Begins

The story of The 1832 Jackson House begins long before the home itself was built.

In 1818, John Eagan operated an Inn and tavern on this very property, welcoming guests traveling through the growing community of Jackson and establishing a tradition of gracious hospitality that continues today.

Following John Eagan’s death, his wife, Frances Eagan, remarried James McDonald. Together they began construction of the home in 1830, completing it in 1832. Today, nearly two centuries later, the house remains one of Jackson’s most treasured historic homes.

A Home with Many Stories

Originally built as a private residence, the home served generations of families before Taking on an entirely new purpose around the turn of the twentieth century.

From approximately 1900 until 1930, the home served as a community school. An open rear porch served as the school’s auditorium, while the spacious rooms that now welcome guests were once filled with students and teachers. During this unique chapter in its history, the home became a place of learning for the children of the Jackson community before ultimately returning to its original purpose as a family residence.

Roseneath: A Family Home

In the early 1930s Henry and Mary Johnston purchased the property and thoughtfully transformed the former schoolhouse back into a family residence. During this renovation, the home’s first indoor plumbing was installed, including a kitchen and bathrooms, while preserving much of its original character. They named the home Roseneath in honor of their family home in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana.

Over the decades that followed, several generations of the Johnston, Acosta, and Woodyear families called Roseneath home. As the family’s needs evolved, so did the house-through carefully considered additions and improvements that respected its historic character while allowing it to remain a cherished family home.

The Woodyear Years

In 2001, Mary and Carneal Woodyear began an extensive renovation designed to preserve the home’s historic integrity while preparing it for another generation of life. Their work included significant structural, electrical, and mechanical improvements that strengthened the home while respecting its nineteenth-century character.

For decades, Mary and Carneal Woodyear lovingly cared for Roseneath as devoted stewards of the home. Through their stewardship, its history, beauty, and legacy were lovingly preserved for future generations. Their dedication ensured that this remarkable home would continue to tell its story for years to come.

A New Chapter

In 2023, The 1832 Jackson House entered its next chapter when it was entrusted to new ownership.

With deep appreciation for those who came before us, our goal has never been to change the character of this remarkable home, but to preserve its history while sharing it with others.

Today, The 1832 Jackson House continues the tradition of gracious Southern hospitality that began on this property in 1818. Every family who has cared for this home has added another chapter to its story, and we are honored to continue that legacy-preserving its history sharing its beauty, and welcoming guests from near and far for generations to come.

Every historic home has a story to tell. We are simply honored to help write the next chapter of The 1832 Jackson House.