Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Confederate Memorial Day

Photographed By David Seibert, June 20, 2012

1. Confederate Memorial Day Marker

Inscription. The first Confederate Memorial Day service in Columbus was held on this site (St. Luke Methodist Church) on April 26, 1866. The program was under the auspices of the Ladies’ Memorial Association, which was organized in the early Spring of 1866 for the purpose of holding a Memorial service each year honoring the Confederate dead.

April 26, anniversary of the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston, was selected as a suitable date for Memorial Day. The Secretary of the Ladies’ Memorial Association of Columbus wrote to the Southern press proposing that the entire South join in the custom of an annual Confederate Memorial Day and suggesting April 26 as the date. The custom was inaugurated throughout the South and the date suggested was adopted. Since then, Confederate Memorial Services have been held in Columbus annually on that date.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 106-15.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1876.

Location. 32° 28.011′ N, 84° 59.415′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee

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County. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 11th Street, on the right when traveling north on 2nd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1104 2nd Avenue, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Columbian Lodge No. 7, Free & Accepted Masons Columbus, Georgia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); Dr. Thomas H. Brewer (about 700 feet away); Birthplace of Georgia's Woman Suffrage Movement (approx. 0.2 miles away); Red Jacket (approx. 0.2 miles away); Springer Opera House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed By David Seibert, June 20, 2012

2. Confederate Memorial Day Marker

Looking north, with 2nd Street (torn up for roadwork) to the left

Photographed By David Seibert, June 20, 2012

3. Confederate Memorial Day Marker

St. Luke United Methodist Church is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,181 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.