Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Origin of Memorial Day
Photographed by Daniel Bellware, June 29, 2021
1. Origin of Memorial Day Marker
Inscription.
Origin of Memorial Day. . The Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia originated the widespread observance of a day, set apart, annually to honor the sacrifice of soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers that became known as Memorial Day. The secretary of the association, Mrs. Charles J. (Mary Ann) Williams, composed a letter on March 10, 1866 that was printed in newspapers throughout Georgia and across the South urging the adoption of the holiday. In addition to the letter, plans and preparations for the impending tribute were reported throughout the country. The proposal was adopted and generally observed on April 26, 1866 throughout much of the South. First conceived to honor Southern soldiers, in practice, those from the North had their graves decorated from the beginning as well. Former Union General John A. Logan took notice and mentioned the observances in a speech to veterans later that year. After the third annual observance of Memorial Day, Logan, as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered all posts throughout the country to observe a similar commemoration in the North on May 30, 1868. Although many claim to have originated the holiday, Columbus, Georgia is the only one supported by history.
The Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia originated the widespread observance of a day, set apart, annually to honor the sacrifice of soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers that became known as Memorial Day. The secretary of the association, Mrs. Charles J. (Mary Ann) Williams, composed a letter on March 10, 1866 that was printed in newspapers throughout Georgia and across the South urging the adoption of the holiday. In addition to the letter, plans and preparations for the impending tribute were reported throughout the country. The proposal was adopted and generally observed on April 26, 1866 throughout much of the South. First conceived to honor Southern soldiers, in practice, those from the North had their graves decorated from the beginning as well. Former Union General John A. Logan took notice and mentioned the observances in a speech to veterans later that year. After the third annual observance of Memorial Day, Logan, as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered all posts throughout the country to observe a similar commemoration in the North on May 30, 1868. Although many
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claim to have originated the holiday, Columbus, Georgia is the only one supported by history.
Erected 2021 by Daniel A. Bellware & Historic Linwood Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is April 26, 1866.
Location. 32° 27.593′ N, 84° 59.597′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is on Broadway north of 7th Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 727 Broadway, 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 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:
Another marker is no longer nearby. John Stith Pemberton (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Memorial Day. Wikipedia (Submitted on July 2, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2021, by Daniel Bellware of Columbus, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,304 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on July 1, 2021, by Daniel Bellware of Columbus, Georgia. 2. submitted on March 7, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
