Andalusia (estate)

Andalusia is the name of the historic estate and former home of American author Flannery O'Connor. Located in Milledgeville, Georgia, it served as O'Connor's primary residence from 1951 until her death in 1964.

The property, originally a cotton plantation, was established in the early 19th century. O'Connor's mother, Regina Cline O'Connor, inherited the farm from her family. Flannery O'Connor moved to Andalusia primarily due to her battle with lupus, and the estate provided a more supportive environment for her health.

Andalusia significantly influenced O'Connor's writing. The rural setting, the presence of farm animals (particularly peacocks, which became a recurring motif in her work), and the social dynamics of the South during the mid-20th century all found their way into her short stories and novels. Many of her works, such as "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" and "The Violent Bear It Away," reflect the themes and imagery inspired by her life at Andalusia.

Today, Andalusia is a museum and working farm owned and operated by the Flannery O'Connor Andalusia Foundation. Visitors can tour the house, explore the grounds, and learn about O'Connor's life and work. The estate is dedicated to preserving O'Connor's legacy and promoting Southern literature and culture. It provides insight into the environment that shaped one of America's most important literary voices.