Douglas in Coffee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Tanner Mercantile Company

First Department Store in Douglas

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021

1. Tanner Mercantile Company Marker

Inscription. This two-story building was built in 1908 as part of the Tanner Mercantile Company, which was the first department store in Douglas. It was commissioned by Mr. B.H. “Babe” Tanner (March, 1861 - December, 1920). Babe Tanner was a prominent farmer, banker, businessman, Mayor of Douglas, and Chairman of the Coffee County Commissioners. He was known throughout the southeast as a visionary developer of business and industry. His advice and support was sought by business and political leaders for most of his adult life.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 31° 30.506′ N, 82° 50.962′ W. Marker is in Douglas, Georgia, in Coffee County. It is on South Madison Avenue (U.S. 441) north of East Ashley Street (Georgia Route 32), on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the northwest corner of the subject building, facing South Madison Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 South Madison Avenue, Douglas GA 31533, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Wiregrass.

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 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: A different marker also named Tanner Mercantile Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Tri - Hi - Y International (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Coffee County Bank Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coffee County (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Coffee County (about 400 feet away); Coffee County Confederate Monument (about 400 feet away); Douglas Surgical Institute and Infirmary (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Douglas.

Regarding Tanner Mercantile Company. Contributing

Tanner Mercantile Company Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021

2. Tanner Mercantile Company Building

Looking east from South Madison Avenue. The marker is visible near left/north corner.

property, Downtown Douglas Historic District, NRHP #93000941.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.