Madison in Morgan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Town Square
Photographed by David Seibert, June 13, 2011
1. The Town Square Marker
The square has also been in continuous use as public property -- County Courthouses (1st c.1810-1844; 2nd 1845-1907), City Hall (1909-1916), Town Park (1917-1930), and U.S. Post Offices (1931). A year later, the City sold the property to the federal government but negotiated its use as a park until construction commenced on the post office.
Public accessories and amenities have long adored the square. The 1856 Braswell Monument anchors the west corner. On the prominent north corner stood the town Market (1851-c.1885), a Victorian gazebo (c.1901), and later the city Police Shack (c.1950-75). The 1908 Cooke Fountain was also sited here (1925-31) when street paving began.
Erected 2011 by City of Madison, Madison BiCentennial Commission 1809-2009.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.
Location. 33° 35.733′ N, 83° 28.05′ W. Marker is in Madison, Georgia, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Antebellum Trail and in the 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: Banking Institutions (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison (within shouting distance of this marker); Civic Advancement (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison City Hall & Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Oliver Hardy, Genius of Comedy (within shouting distance of this marker); William Tappan Thompson (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Boys from Morgan County, Georgia (within shouting distance of this marker); Morgan County Veterans Memorial Walk (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Regarding The Town Square. The Cooke Fountain and the Gazebo, which as noted on the marker once stood in the Town Square, have been recreated in the nearby Town Park.
Photographed by David Seibert, June 13, 2011
2. The Town Square Marker
The marker stands in front of the Braswell Monument on the Town Square.
Photographed by David Seibert, June 13, 2011
3. The Town Square Marker
Another view of the marker and the Braswell Monument, an obelisk honoring Benjamin Braswell who, in 1817, established an educational trust to aid the children of destitute widows in Madison. The trust still serves its original purpose.
Photographed by David Seibert, June 13, 2011
4. The Town Square Marker
Looking northeast along North Main Street (U.S. Highway 278) at the U.S. Post Office, located in the middle of the Town Square. Another marker titled "Madison" is also visible.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 823 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on November 24, 2021, by Bill Witherspoon of Decatur, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 20, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
