Gwinnett County is preparing to turn a historic site in Lilburn into the county's newest passive park.
The five acre property that includes the Old Yellow River Post Office, slave quarters, and a barn was donated to the county in 1996 by developer Scott Hudgens.
The property was originally owned by Thomas Hudson who came here from South Carolina in 1839. He served as the community's first postmaster. The land was purchased in 1879 by the Nash family after Hudson's death.
The Hudson-Nash Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Properties in 1990. The Nash family still owns the old homestead across the street.
"One of the neat things about Thomas Hudson, he was so involved in this community not only as postmaster for the Yellow River Post Office, but he was also one of three delegates for the Georgia General Assembly prior to the ordinance of succession," says Catherine Long with the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.
She says after Hudson voted for succession from the Union, he formed his own group of soldiers called "Hudson's Guards" which had rifle practice on the property.
Over the years the post office also served as a general store and school.
A passive park is defined as a undeveloped space or environmentally sensitive area that requires minimal development.
When the Yellow River Post Office site opens to the public next Spring, Long says it will include walking trails and picnic tables. Visitors can view the buildings from the outside and read signs about their history.
She hopes to add school programs for children in the fall of 2012.
Funding for the project comes from the 2005 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.