University of Georgia Marker

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Athens in Clarke County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

University of Georgia

By R. E. Smith, February 11, 2008

1. University of Georgia Marker

Inscription. 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 univeristy 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.

Erected 1991 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 029-1.)

Location.

By R. E. Smith, February 11, 2008

2. University of Georgia Marker

33° 57.453′ N, 83° 22.518′ W. Marker is in Athens, Georgia, in Clarke County. Marker is at the intersection of East Broad Street and College Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Broad Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens GA 30601, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holmes/Hunter Academic Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Red and Black (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Toombs Oak (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Herty Field (about 500 feet away); The Stoneman Raid (about 600 feet away); Abraham Baldwin (about 700 feet away); First Flight in Georgia (about 700 feet away); Old College (about 700 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Athens.

By David Seibert, May 30, 2009

3. University of Georgia Marker

Seen through the Arch, looking south toward Old College. The Holmes/Hunter Academic Building is on the right.

Credits. This page originally submitted on February 12, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 532 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 31, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.