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. 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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1996.

Location. 33° 56.569′ N, 84° 12.809′ W. Marker is in Norcross, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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: Brunswick Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); 7 Jones Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Norcross, Georgia (within shouting distance

Thrasher Park Marker and the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, October 18, 2008

2. Thrasher Park Marker and the park

of this marker); 15 Jones Street (within shouting distance of this marker); "Checkers Alley" (within shouting distance of this marker); 29 Jones Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Norcross Train Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); 9 South Peachtree Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norcross.

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 1,952 times since then and 34 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.