Georgia historical markers

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)

This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (February 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

This article contains instructions or advice. Wikipedia is not a guidebook; please help rewrite the content to make it more encyclopedic or move it to Wikiversity, Wikibooks, or Wikivoyage. (February 2020)

|

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

A historic marker is an "Alamo"-shaped plaque affixed to the top of a pole and erected next to a significant historic site, battlefield or county courthouse. Kevin Levin of the Smithsonian magazine said of the erected signs, "Historical markers are a ubiquitous presence along many of the nation's highways and country roads. You can spot their distinctive lettering, background color, and shape without even realizing what they commemorate."[1] In the State of Georgia, there are more than 2,100 historic markers.[2]

## Historic marker organizations and initiatives

[edit]

The Georgia Historical Commission was the first organization commissioned to erect markers. The Georgia Historical Commission has since been dissembled and beginning in 1998, the Georgia Historical Society took charge of the marker program.[3] However, numerous organizations, such as local garden clubs, chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution, and local historical societies are responsible for erecting and maintaining other markers.

### Georgia Historical Society

[edit]

In 1998, the Georgia Historical Society took over administration of Georgia’s historical markers and have since added more than 300 new historical markers.[2] Each marker varies in content, however, the Georgia Historical Society has "introduced several special initiatives to develop markers that offer more inclusive views of state history."[4] In 2009 the Georgia Historical Society began an initiative to repair and update markers about the Civil War and “installed twenty new markers that broadened the conversation about the war across Georgia.” [5]

### Historical markers and Confederate monument preservation

[edit]

In 2016, the City of Atlanta announced the intention to add interpretive additions to historic markers, in order to introduce nuance to preexisting Confederate monuments.[6] This is intended to be an alternative to removing the monuments, which can be considered culturally and politically divisive, especially in former Confederate states like Georgia. Furthermore, it is against state law to remove Confederate monuments, so such nuanced updates are necessary for these historic markers.[4]

### Civil War initiative

[edit]

In the 1950s, the state of Georgia launched the official Georgia Historical Commission to erect markers in preparation of the centennial anniversary of the Civil War. Most Civil War markers, such as The March to the Sea markers, describe troop movements, battles, and accounts of William T. Sherman's Union campaign through Georgia.[3]

## Gallery

[edit]

Ballard-Hudson Historic Marker Erected by Georgia Historical Society in Macon. | Blue Star Memorial Historic Marker in Appling County, Georgia erected by The Garden Club of Georgia. | Booker T. Washington Historic Marker in Piedmont Park Atlanta | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Historical Marker, Athens

|
|
|

## Historic marker locations

[edit]

Blue Star Memorial in Jackson.

Historic markers can be located by exact GPS location. Approximate locations are available on the Georgia Historical Society's "Marker Index" Page

A "county" marker can be found at every county courthouse in all 159 counties in Georgia. Each marker explains when the county was formed and who the founding officials were.

Blue Star Memorial Highway markers can be found at every rest stop on I-75.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Levin, Kevin M. "When It Comes to Historical Markers, Every Word Matters". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
2. ^ a b Georgia Historical Society. "About". Explore Georgia's Historical Markers. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
3. ^ a b Cumming, Jr., Joesph B. "Georgia Historical Commission". The New Georgia Encyclopedia. Georgia Humanities Council. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
4. ^ a b Rhone, Nedra (Dec 18, 2018). "The complex task of writing history". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
5. ^ Dickey, J. (2020). "Cameos of History” on the Landscape: The Changes and Challenges of Georgia’s Historical Marker Program. The Public Historian, 42(2), 33–55.
6. ^ Atlanta History Center. "Confederate Monument Interpretation Guide". Projects & Initiatives. Retrieved 17 June 2025.