Georgia Magazine - September 2024 - 21

SIGNS of the TIMES
Historical markers capture key people, places, events in Georgia
Story and photos by Jim Kelly
T
hroughout the state,
metal signs proclaim
snippets of local
history and lore as they piece
together the people, events and
places that shaped Georgia.
These historical markers-
easily identified by their unique
shape and perched atop sturdy
posts-stand tall alongside
roadways, in town squares and
in front of historic buildings.
If they attract your
attention and pique your
curiosity, that was the intent.
According to the
Georgia Historical Society
(GHS), " historical markers
originated as a way to
promote tourism as Americans
increasingly gained access to
better roads, vehicles and leisure time. "
Local governments, civic groups, historical societies and
This marker in Savannah commemorates the SS Savannah, the
first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and the SS John
Randolph, America's first successful iron steamship in commerce.
county, region or subject to find
nearby markers.
" The next step that we are
currently working on is making
that directional aspect come to
life " with directions that can be
turned into a personalized route
to visit markers of interest, says
Breana James, historical marker
and program coordinator for the
Georgia Historical Society.
A class by themselves
What distinguishes a
historical marker from a
monument or even an
interpretive sign? A monument
can be a statue, an obelisk, a
building or even a headstone
that commemorates or
symbolizes a person, a group
clubs are the usual sponsors of historical markers in their own
communities, and some have erected markers on their own, but
the official, statewide program falls under the purview of the
GHS in a public-private partnership with the state of Georgia.
The historical-markers program began in 1951 with the
(now-defunct) Georgia Historical Commission, then was
overseen by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The GHS took responsibility for the program in 1998.
The GHS maintains a database (bit.ly/gahistorical
markers) that includes descriptions, photos, sign text and
locations for the more than 2,200 historical markers. Enter your
1 The historical marker at the Tybee Lighthouse on Tybee Island was
erected in 1958 and tells about the three different structures that have
stood there. 2 A marker in Laurens County mentions that the county
is named after Col. John Laurens, aide-de-camp to Gen. George
Washington. 3 Watson Mill Bridge in Oglethorpe County is the state's
longest existing covered bridge at 236 feet long. 4 Newer markers,
like this one erected in 2000 in Forsyth County, bear the Georgia
Historical Society logo at the top. 5 Breana James of the Georgia
Historical Society leads a dedication ceremony for a new historical
marker in Vinings.
or an event. Interpretive signs are found along walking trails
or in front of a museum exhibit. They differ from historical
markers in that they are usually larger, are colorful and have
many graphic elements.
" Markers are their own unique thing. They're different
from monuments and statues in that they aren't necessarily
commemorative of anything, " James says. " They aren't
pointing or bringing someone toward an emotional conclusion.
... They're not dedicated to anything or any movement or
person. They are quite short-an executive summary of
something that happened in the place where you are standing.
" It's funny. You can say more about a marker than you can
fit on one. "
The GHS markers placed today are black with silver
lettering and the society's logo on top. Earlier markers are green
and have the state seal on top. (Markers erected independently
by garden clubs, local history groups, towns, counties, the
Works Progress Administration of the Great Depression and
other entities can be a variety of colors and designs.)
Also notable on the newer markers is an identification
code. In one corner there could be a number like 2024-4. That
means that it is the fourth marker erected in 2024. The other
MORE
www.georgiamagazine.org 21
http://www.bit.ly/gahistoricalmarkers http://www.bit.ly/gahistoricalmarkers http://www.georgiamagazine.org
Georgia Magazine - September 2024

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