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

"Kinfolks' Corner"

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

1. "Kinfolks Corner" plaque

Inscription. From the 1840's, this building stood among others of its type at this historic downtown intersection. Known traditionally as "Kinfolks' Corner," the area was the meeting place for generations of citizens from Columbus and neighboring Alabama counties. Its importance is sustained by the redevelopment of this section which includes a U.S. Department of Interior National Historic Landmark District. Carson McCullers (1917-1967), Columbus-born author of international renown, alluded strongly to this culturally diverse corner in her celebrated 1946 novel, The Member of the Wedding.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Landmarks • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.

Location. 32° 27.88′ N, 84° 59.669′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is at the intersection of West 10th Street and Front Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Front Avenue, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nehi and Royal Crown Cola (within shouting distance of this marker); W. C. Bradley and Coca-Cola (within shouting distance of this marker); Fit for Man and Beast (about 400 feet

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away, measured in a direct line); Pemberton’s Drugstores, 1857-69 (about 500 feet away); Columbus Symphony Orchestra (about 500 feet away); Garrett and Sons / Cargill-Wright Company (about 600 feet away); Columbus Steamboat Wharf (about 700 feet away); Military Service Walk (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Regarding "Kinfolks' Corner". For decades this former slave auction site was the social gathering place on Saturdays for the African-American community of farmers from Alabama and day laborers catching rides to and from Alabama and Georgia industries.

It is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail.

Additional commentary.
1. Kinfolks Corner
My Great Uncle Arthur (Archie) Corley owned the bar and grill that was called Kinfolks Corners. He was raised in Columbus, as was my father, until he joined the Army. As a child, my father would take us (my brothers and I) down to the bar and we’d get a scrambled dog and a coke. It was always a ‘happening’ place, and I heard lots of stories about what happened when night fell.

"Kinfolks' Corner" building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

2. "Kinfolks' Corner" building.

Note the ghost sign urging you to drink Nehi Cola.

Before this time it had been a produce area. He also sold peanuts at the ball field. There is a lot of great history in this area.

— Submitted May 1, 2025, by Kathy Corley Westberry of Jacksonville, Florida.

The other buildings shown on the plaque are long gone! image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

3. The other buildings shown on the plaque are long gone!

Plaque is mounted on 10th Street corner of the building.

Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District Landmark Plaque. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

4. Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District Landmark Plaque.

The landmark area is located in four separate areas along the eastern bank of the Chattahoochee River. It was declared a National Historic Landmark (#78000995) in 1978. This NHL plaque is located one block south of this building.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,811 times since then and 141 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.