Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Potter's Field
Photographed By Kent C Hermes, October 26, 2021
1. Potter's Field Marker
From the 1880's to the 1930's the block bordered by Highmarket, Dozier, Duke and Church streets served as a cemetery for criminals, the indigent and the unknown. These types of cemeteries were located in many towns and communities and were typically referred to as a Potter's Field. Many of the people buried here, most of whom were buried in unmarked graves, were African Americans.
The earliest known burial here took place in 1881 after Frank Magrath was hung in a public execution after being convicted of murder. Another of the known burials was Edward Rainey. Rainey was the brother of Joseph Hayne Rainey the first African American member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Burials continued here until the 1930's. By the 1950's most of the graves had been relocated and the land was redeveloped.
Erected 2016 by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Georgetown County Public Library. (Marker Number 22 64.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 33° 22.418′ N, 79° 17.297′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. Marker is at the intersection of Highmarket Street and
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Winyah Schools (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bethesda Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Mount Olive Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); James A. Bowley (approx. 0.3 miles away); Howard School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robert Stewart House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kaminski House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.
Photographed By Kent C Hermes, October 26, 2021
2. Potter's Field Marker
Photographed By Kent C Hermes, October 26, 2021
3. Potter's Field Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2021, by Kent C Hermes of Georgetown, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 434 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2021, by Kent C Hermes of Georgetown, South Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
