Just outside Wetumpka, Alabama, Jasmine Hills stands atop the southernmost outcropping of the Appalachians. It was conceived in the early 1930's by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick and has grown into a virtual outdoor museum featuring reproductions of famous Greek works of art.
The Fitzpatricks spent their early married life establishing a chain of stores in the South before retiring to their hilltop haven to create a living memorial to ancient Greece. Getting a jump on the depression, they sold their store holdings in 1927. With the arrival of the depression, they were reluctant to venture into business again, so they came to Jasmine Hill to stay and made their home in the 1830-era cottage within the gardens.
A garden of this magnitude did not develop overnight. The Fitzpatricks made over twenty trips to Greece to purchase art objects, to study at the American Classical School in Athens and to simply enjoy Greek culture.
Since 1971 Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum has been supported by Jim and Elmore Inscoe who have continued the traditions established by the founders.