Sweet Auburn in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Dobbs Plaza

Auburn Avenue

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. Dobbs Plaza Marker

Inscription. Dobbs Plaza celebrates the life of civic and fraternal leader John Wesley Dobbs, often called “the mayor” of Auburn Avenue. The design of the plaza symbolically links elements of African history with the history of African Americans as reflected in the achievements of Dobbs and the “Sweet Auburn” community.

The plaza's surfaces incorporate patterns and motifs associated with the African weaving craft of Adinkra. The stone wall recalls the ancient walls of Great Zimbabwe, where the African tradition of masonry flourished. The water symbolizes the power that individuals can have if they work together; the water begins from a small source, and then swells as it nears the fountain pool, which represents the future. The plaza's stairway features 33 steps, representing the 33 steps that Dobbs took to become a Grand Mason.

Caption: “Undated portrait of John Wesley Dobbs,” John Wesley Dobbs Family Papers, Box 11, Folder 9, Amistad Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Marker Number 13.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 33° 45.328′ N, 84° 22.665′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Fulton County. It is in Sweet Auburn. It is at the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Fort Street NE, on the right when traveling east on Auburn Avenue NE. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlanta GA 30303, 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 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: Soul Food Row (a few steps from this marker); Alice Dugged Cary (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Auburn Avenue Branch (about 300 feet away); Prince Hall Masonic Building (about 300 feet away); Religious and Fraternal Institutions (about 300 feet away); Auburn Avenue Underpass (about 400 feet away); Hanley's Funeral Home (about 500 feet away); Wheat Street Baptist Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Auburn Avenue Branch, Carnegie Library (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . John Wesley Dobbs. Wikipedia entry on the African American civic and political leader. (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

2. Dobbs Plaza Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear photos of marker and wide shot. • Can you help?