Tara was the name of the plantation of Irish immigrant Gerald O'Hara in the novel "Gone With the Wind". In the novel, O'Hara won 640 acres (2.6 km2) or one square mile of land from its absentee owner during an all-night poker game. Included was a small home structure which he later expanded greatly after his marriage.

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As the story of the war between the states continues the O'Hara's are enthusiastically partisan in support of the Confederacy. Nevertheless, even before the tide has turned the plantation has already suffered major deprivation because of the war and has descended into disrepair.

During and after the war the family is able to eke out a very meager living, leaving them constantly hungry but at least not homeless or starving.

Peace returns, but not prosperity. Scarlett, Gerald O' Hara's daughter and principal figure in the novel, manages to save Tara from being seized and the family from dispossession and ruin.

Margaret Mitchell, the novels author, modeled the Tara plantation closely to several in existence near Jonesboro, Ga. The novel was published in 1936.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org