Cartersville in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Rebecca L. Felton
1835-1930
While husband, William H. Felton, served in U.S. Congress, 1875-81, she served as advisor and political strategist. With husband, edited Cartersville Free Press and Cartersville Courant. Syndicated columnist, Atlanta Journal for 27 years, wrote 3 books. Advocate for woman's rights and suffrage. Appointed by Georgia Governor Thomas W. Hardwick, first woman to serve as U.S. Senator, 1922.
Erected by Etowah Valley Historical Society • Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1835.
Location. 34° 9.933′ N, 84° 47.743′ W. Marker is in Cartersville, Georgia, in Bartow County. Marker can be reached from West Main Street (Georgia Route 113) west of South Public Square, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on fence along railroad tracks south of the old depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Friendship Plaza, Cartersville GA 30120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William H. Felton (here, next to this marker); Corra Harris (here, next to this marker); Mark A. Cooper (here, next to this marker); Governor Joe Frank Harris (here, next to this marker); Farish Carter (here, next to this marker); Sam P. Jones (here, next to this marker); Chief Justice Robert Benham (here, next to this marker); Horatio A. Luro (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cartersville.
Regarding Rebecca L. Felton. Her Senate term lasted just 24 hours as a result of peculiar timing. She was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Sen. Thomas E. Watson, who died after the Senate session had ended, until a special election could be held to choose Watson's permanent successor. Walter F. George won the election, but allowed Felton to present her credentials and be sworn in when the new Senate session began at noon on Nov. 21. George was sworn in the next day at noon, ending Felton's term.
Also see . . .
1. Rebecca Latimer Felton. New Georgia Encyclopedia entry by David B. Parker of Kennesaw State University. (Submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. First female U.S. Senator was unabashed white supremacist. Felton was the last slave-holding member of the U.S. Congress and an outspoken advocate of lynching. (Dale M. Brumfield, posted Nov. 1, 2018) (Submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
3. Rebecca Latimer Felton. Wikipedia entry on the American writer, lecturer, feminist, suffragette, reformer, slave owner, and politician. (Submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on January 19, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on January 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.