Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth

( 1754-1794 )

U.S. Marshall Robert Forsyth Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 2008

1. U.S. Marshall Robert Forsyth Marker

Inscription. Robert Forsyth was the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Captain of Light Dragoons in Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee's cavalry during the Revolutionary War, Forsyth had been appointed the first marshal for the District of Georgia by President Washington in 1789. Forsyth also served as justice of the peace and as a trustee of Richmond Academy. On January 11, 1794, Forsyth was shot and killed by Beverly Allen while attempting to serve civil court papers. Allen was arrested and escaped twice, finally fleeing to Kentucky. Robert Forsyth, father of Georgia Governor John Forsyth, is buried in St. Paul's cemetery.

Erected 2008 by The Georgia Historical Society and the United States Marshals Service Association. (Marker Number 121-12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1825.

Location. 33° 28.565′ N, 81° 57.649′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is on Washington Street near Reynolds Street. At St. Paul's Church

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rear parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington's Southern Tour (a few steps from this marker); Kiwanis Club of Augusta Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Five Indian Nations (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); The Colonial Church of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Augusta ~ Fort Cornwallis / St. Paul's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel William Few, Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Major Ferdinand Phinizy (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Railroads (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . U.S. Marshals Information:. Since the death of Marshal Forsyth, over 200 federal Marshals, Deputy Marshals, Special Deputy Marshals and Marshals guards have given their lives in service to their nation. We honor their memory and their sacrifice. (Submitted on August 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

U.S. Marshall Robert Forsyth image. Click for full size.

Photographed by U.S. Marshals Information

2. U.S. Marshall Robert Forsyth

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,838 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.