More than 150 years ago, the eastern entrance and exit to the village of McDonough was dominated by a natural landmark known as Johnson's Red Hill. This towering mound of red clay rose above the road, offering a vantage point to observe travelers approaching from the east and west—making it a strategic location during times of conflict.
Before the Civil War, the property belonged to William D. Johnson, who lived in a modest dwelling atop the hill. Following his death in the war, the land remained vacant until 1869, when it was sold during the settlement of his estate. Colonel Adam C. Sloan purchased the property and made significant improvements, including the addition of a second house, which greatly increased its value. After Sloan's death in the 1890s, the land was sold in an estate sale to H.B. Bryans, who continued to develop the area.
Bryans initiated extensive renovations, beginning with the grading of the hill to lower its height closer to road level. In 1904, Henry Cleveland won the bid to assist with the grading, and by 1905, the county undertook the effort to carve a road through the hill, improving access along Keys Ferry Road. However, the newly graded road brought challenges, as rainwater created deep gullies that made it increasingly dangerous over time.
Over the years, Johnson's Red Hill was gradually diminished. In 1969, the Gasses family, who had acquired the property, completed the final grading of the hill to make way for a new house. Today, the site is home to a daycare center, with thousands of cars passing by daily, oblivious to the rich history buried beneath its foundation.
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