If you spend any time touring the state's historic sites, you
will inevitably come in contact with Georgia's historical markers,
leading those of us who read them to wonder who wrote them, when,
and how.
There are about 2,000 aluminum markers statewide, with text
covering historic events that range from the American Revolution
to the Civil Rights movement. The historical marker program
began in the 1950s as part of preparations for the Civil War
centennial. The State Historical Commission, which oversees
the marker program, was established in 1952, and the first Georgia
marker was erected in June, 1952, a Civil War marker in Cobb
County titled "Davis' Cross Roads."
The State Historical Commission hired two Civil War historians
to research, write, and place the Civil War markers. Wilbur
G. Kurtz, Sr. was responsible for the markers from Chattanooga
to Atlanta. Col. Allen P. Julian handled the series of markers
that stretches from Atlanta to Savannah. The two historians'
main sources were the Official Record of the War of the Rebellion
and interviews with Civil War veterans. By walking the battlefields
with these veterans, Kurtz and Julian accurately marked sites
that otherwise may never have been recorded.
Today, there are approximately 700 Civil War related historical
markers statewide, with new ones still being researched and
erected.
Fulton County Historical Markers:
Georgia
Historical Markers - Fulton County
