Downtown Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Amanda America Dickson Toomer

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 11, 2022

1. Amanda America Dickson Toomer Marker

Inscription. Amanda America Dickson Toomer was born in Hancock County in 1849 to wealthy planter David Dickson and Julia, who was enslaved by Dickson's mother Elizabeth. Although conceived through the rape of her adolescent mother, Amanda was raised and educated in the Dickson household. Upon his death in 1885, Dickson bequeathed most of his wealth to Amanda. Contested by White relatives, the will was confirmed by an all-male White jury in Hancock County, and upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court under the 14th Amendment. After purchasing this home in 1886, Amanda became an integral member of Augusta's Black community. Known for her philanthropy and attendance at Mother Trinity Church, Amanda died in 1893 as one of the country's wealthiest Black citizens. She is buried in Augusta's Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Erected 2021 by Georgia Historical Society • The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History • Historic Augusta, Inc. • The Hock Development Company. (Marker Number 121-24.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Women. In addition, it is

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included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 33° 28.168′ N, 81° 57.59′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Downtown Augusta. It is at the intersection of Telfair Street and Courthouse Lane, on the right when traveling east on Telfair Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 448 Telfair St, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Government House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Nicholas Ware (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue (about 500 feet away); Augusta Civil War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Gates of Repentance (about 600 feet away); St. James United Methodist Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 11, 2022

2. Amanda America Dickson Toomer Marker

(about 600 feet away); Richmond County Court of Ordinary (about 600 feet away); The Riot of May 11-12, 1970 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Other markers no longer nearby. Congregation Children of Israel (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Old Richmond Academy Building (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Amanda America Dickson Toomer. Biography of the noteworthy woman. (Georgia Historical Society) (Submitted on June 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Amanda America Dickson Toomer (1849-1893). Biography of the biracial heiress and socialite, who moved to Augusta after being forced from the family plantation under pressure from White relatives contesting her inheritance. (BlackPast) (Submitted on June 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Amanda America Dickson Toomer image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Georgia Historical Society (Public Domain)

3. Amanda America Dickson Toomer

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,118 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.