Captain Nichols era

After the Civil War, Captain J. H. Nichols begins to buy land throughout the Nacoochee Valley. Included in these purchases are Anna Ruby Falls and the Indian Mound at the corner of Route 17 and 75. Today known as the Hardman-Nichols Estate, the house built by the Captain still stands, across the road from the mound.

According to folklore, after the deaths of his wife and child, Nichols discovers a set of falls while horseback riding and names them for his remaining daughter, Anna Ruby. In reality, the falls were known as early as 1819, 50 years before Nichols begins to buy land.

In 1890 Nichols builds the gazebo atop the Indian Mound. This structure is one of the most photographed scenes in North Georgia today, with Mount Yonah the perfect backdrop. There are three additional mounds in the area.

Perhaps Nichols' greatest contribution to the history of Helen comes after his death. His land is sold in parcels and a group of men from South Carolina purchases most of it, including Anna Ruby Falls, as an investment. Henry Bagley, a Cincinnati developer, has been securing lumber rights on land in the area.

Wood!

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