Near the norther tip of Jekyll Islan, Georgia, stands the tabby ruin known as the Horton House. Built by Captain William Horton, one of Georgia's most important early colonists, the ruin exists as one of the few colonial edifices still standing in the state. Realizing its importance in the history of the state, the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, on December 13, 1965, authorized J. Everette Fauber, Jr., A.I.A., Architect and Historian, of Lynchburg, Virginia, to organize and direct a research program on the structure. The aim was twofold: To determine the original nature and appearance of the dwelling, and the feasibility of a restoration, returning it to this colonial state. As the work progressed, four main stages in the program evolved. These were the historical and documentary research, archaeological investigation at and around the ruin, an intensive physical investigation of the superstructure, and the compilation of these into a comprehensive report. The first stage was done under the direction of Mr. Fauber, assisted by S. Allen Chambers, Jr., Architectural Historian, of his staff. Field Supervisor for the second stage was Mr. Donald A. Harris, of the University of Florida, who conducted the archaeological excavation under the overall supervision of Dr. Charles H. Fairbanks, Chairman of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Florida.
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