Historic District - South in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mary Musgrove
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 27, 2019
1. Mary Musgrove Marker
Mary Musgrove was the daughter of an English trader and a Creek Indian mother. In 1717 she and her husband, John, established Cowpens trading post near the Savannah River which became a center of 18th century English-Indian trade for deer hides. After the colony's founding in 1733, Musgrove became principal interpreter between Yamacraw Chieftain Tomochichi and Gen. Oglethorpe. Serving as Oglethorpe's interpreter for ten years, she helped foster peace between the British and the Creeks. For her assistance she received financial compensation, political prestige, and lands from the Creeks making her the wealthiest Georgia landowner in the 1700s. The Georgia colony refused to grant Musgrove's property rights to the Creek lands of St. Catherines, Sapelo, and Ossabaw Islands. After much dispute, Musgrove received the English title to St. Catherines Island in 1760, where she died c.1765.
and the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of Georgia
2019.1 25-61
Erected 2019 by Georgia Historical Society and the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of Georgia. (Marker Number 25-61.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
this page online
Location. 32° 4.377′ N, 81° 5.524′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - South. It is on Abercorn Street south of East Macon Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located beside the walkway, near the southwest corner of Savannah's Lafayette Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 East Charlton Street, Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles. 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 New Spain, 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: Andrew Low House (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Dames House (within shouting distance of this marker); Marist Place (within shouting distance of this marker); First Girl Scout Headquarters in America (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Group, Inc. (within shouting
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 27, 2019
2. Mary Musgrove Marker (view looking south; Abercorn Street & Charlton St. intersection behind)
Also see . . .
1. Mary Musgrove. Georgia Historical Society website entry:
While most wont recognize the Creek name Coosaponakeesa, the name Mary Musgrove may spark recognition. Mary Musgrove proved instrumental in maintaining peace and fair trade between the Creek nation and the new Georgia colony. She attracted the attention of General James Oglethorpe and served as his main interpreter from 1733 to 1743. Musgrove married three times, all the while increasing her business acumen and sharpening her diplomatic skills. The marriage to her last husband, a Christian missionary named Thomas Bosomworth, elevated Musgrove to a social status heretofore unreached by someone of Creek descent. (Submitted on April 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Mary Musgrove historical marker set for official dedication. Connect Savannah website entry:
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) in conjunction with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia (NSCDA-GA) will dedicate a new historical marker detailing the life of iconic Savannah historical figure Mary Musgrove. Keynote speaker for the event is Stan Deaton, Ph.D., who serves as the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at the Georgia Historical Society. The dedication happens Friday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square. (Submitted on April 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
