Marker memorializing the University of Georgia

Item

Legacies Classification
Memorial Object
Memorial Type
Plaque/Marker
Memorial Context
Jim Crow
Memorialized Subject
University of Georgia
Title
Marker memorializing the University of Georgia
Background and Context
The historical marker for the University of Georgia centers the institution's Confederate history and employs the Lost Cause term "War for Southern Independence" to describe the Civil War. The marker was erected in 1955 and a replacement was put up in 1991 with the same text.
Physical Description
Metal signage on post.
Memorial Inscription
University of Georgia

Endowed with 40,000 acres of land in 1784 and chartered in 1785, the charter was the first granted by a state for a government controlled university. After Louisville and then Greensboro were first selected, the current site was chosen.

The first president, and author of the school's charter, Abraham Baldwin, resigned when the doors opened, and was succeeded by Josiah Meigs. The University first began to thrive under Moses Waddel, who became president in 1819. Alonzo Church was president in 1829 - 1859.

During the War of Southern Independence, most of the students entered the Confederate Army. The University closed its doors in 1864, and did not open again until January 1866. After the war, many Confederate veterans became students.

Famous pre-war professors were John and Joseph LeConte and Charles F. McCay, while famous students were Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, Howell Cobb, and Crawford W. Long.

Plans for a modern university were first developed by Walter B. Hill and realized under Harmon W. Caldwell. The best known of the post-war presidents (now chancellors) was David C. Barrow. The builder
of the modern plant was Chancellor Steadman V. Sanford.
Creator/Participating Person(s)
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Georgia Historical Society
Date created, installed or dedicated
1952
Date Modified
1991
Historical Period
1945-1976: Era of Civil Rights Movement and resistance to Civil Rights Movement
1976-2000: The Conservative Ascendancy and Retrenchment from Civil Rights Movement
Funded by
Georgia Historical Society
Location: Institution, City, State
University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
Learn More About this Subject
Explore Georgia's Historical Markers (Georgia Historical Society)

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