Tom Watson purchased his beloved “Hickory Hill” in 1900 and immediately began renovations. Over the next four years he added an impressive portico, pilasters and numerous Greek revival elements throughout the house. Watson’s grand domicile served not just as his retreat, but it was in his home office (the upstairs southeast bedroom) that he wrote and edited his influential weekly newspaper, The Jeffersonian and his monthly Watson’s Magazine. Elected in 1920 to the United States Senate without a runoff against incumbent Senator Hoke Smith and Governor Hugh Dorsey, Watson died in office two years later. It is reported that 10,000 mourners attended the funeral service held at Hickory Hill. The Watson-Brown Foundation, named in part for Tom Watson, operates Hickory Hill as a house museum with tours available by appointment.