Norcross in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Thrasher Park
Named for the Founder of Norcross
Photographed By David Seibert, October 18, 2008
1. Thrasher Park Marker
Inscription.
Thrasher Park. Named for the Founder of Norcross. Norcross was chartered in 1870 through its founder, J.J. "Cousin John" Thrasher, and named for his good friend, Jonathon Norcross, the fourth mayor (1851) of Atlanta. "Cousin John" purchased tracts of land which he subdivided and sold as lots along the developing Richmond and Danville Railroad Line in Gwinnett County. The first train on this line ran to Atlanta in June 1870. Norcross was made an incorporated town by act of the State Legislature on October 26, 1870, and "Cousin John" was elected the first mayor. He laid out and donated a square of land for a park "so to be used for all time, never for industrial purposes of any kind." For a period of time the park became known as "Dodson Park" because Mr. Dodson, a superintendent of the railroad, had a pavilion built which was given to the city. The name was changed to "Thrasher Park" by unanimous act of the Norcross City Council on January 1, 1934. We pay deepest respect to "Cousin John" Thrasher whose name stays with us in our park, if not in the name of our town.
Norcross was chartered in 1870 through its founder, J.J. "Cousin John" Thrasher, and named for his good friend, Jonathon Norcross, the fourth mayor (1851) of Atlanta. "Cousin John" purchased tracts of land which he subdivided and sold as lots along the developing Richmond and Danville Railroad Line in Gwinnett County. The first train on this line ran to Atlanta in June 1870. Norcross was made an incorporated town by act of the State Legislature on October 26, 1870, and "Cousin John" was elected the first mayor. He laid out and donated a square of land for a park "so to be used for all time, never for industrial purposes of any kind." For a period of time the park became known as "Dodson Park" because Mr. Dodson, a superintendent of the railroad, had a pavilion built which was given to the city. The name was changed to "Thrasher Park" by unanimous act of the Norcross City Council on January 1, 1934. We pay deepest respect to "Cousin John" Thrasher whose name stays with us in our park, if not in the name of our town.
Erected by City of Norcross.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1996.
Location. 33° 56.569′ N, 84° 12.809′ W. Marker
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is in Norcross, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. Marker is at the intersection of Park Drive and Buchanan Street, on the right when traveling west on Park Drive. The marker is located just inside Thrasher Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norcross GA 30071, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,582 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
