Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Cotton Bag Wedding

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

1. The Cotton Bag Wedding Marker

Inscription. The Atlanta Exposition of 1890 was the site of a special celebration of the wonders of King Cotton on Farmers Alliance Day. The main attraction featured the wedding of four couples, dressed in clothing made of white cotton bagging. A huge crowd of fun-loving people gathered to see the stylish bride dresses and hats designed and made by the leading Atlanta seamstress of the time. Bridegrooms were fitted out in suits tailored from the same material. The lucky couples were met by a reception committee and paraded in carriages to the exposition grounds. Atlanta's leading citizens led the parade as cheering crowds lined Peachtree Street. Each couple received $50 in gold plus furniture to set up housekeeping. One pair of newlyweds lived in Gwinnett County, Antoinette Petty, age 15 and George Stovall, age 24. Their cotton bagging wedding finery is on display at the Gwinnett History Museum at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary Building, 455 South Perry Street.

Erected by City of Lawrenceville. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 33° 57.375′ N, 83° 59.285′ W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. It is at the intersection of East Crogan Street and South Clayton Street (Georgia Route 20), on the right when traveling east on East Crogan Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville GA 30046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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: Hubert Tucker Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Bill Arp (within shouting distance of

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

2. The Cotton Bag Wedding Marker

this marker); The Banished Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Gwinnett County (within shouting distance of this marker); Button Gwinnett (within shouting distance of this marker); Tipsy Mules & Horses (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse (about 300 feet away); Garrard’s Cavalry Raid (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawrenceville.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.