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

The “Haunted” Pillar of the Lower Market

Photographed by David Seibert, February 28, 2005

1. The “Haunted” Pillar of the Lower Market Marker

Inscription. On this site stood The Lower Market. Fire destroyed an early structure in 1829. The rebuilt market, with its bell that could be heard throughout the city, was a center of agricultural and livestock trade. A freakish cyclone blasted the structure in 1878 and local citizens moved the only column left standing to its present location at 5th (Centre) and Broad Streets. According to local tradition, a wandering “exhorter” predicted that anyone who pulled down the pillar would be struck dead by lightning. Although the city rebuilt the market, it no longer proved useful and, in 1891, the market was dismantled.

Erected 1996 by The Reverend Pierre Robert Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 33° 28.377′ N, 81° 57.527′ W. Marker was in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It was at the intersection of Broad Street (U.S. 25) and 5th Street, in the median on Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the American South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within walking distance of this location: Augusta’s Market House and the Haunted Pillar (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the Augusta Chronicle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Augusta Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. James United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans of All Wars (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jefferson Davis Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Academy of Richmond County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Signers of the Declaration of Independence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

More about this marker. Marker has been replaced with an updated one. 7/24/2025 TF

Regarding The “Haunted” Pillar of the Lower Market. The pillar standing near this marker is neither original, nor in the original spot. The original pillar was destroyed in an automobile accident in 1935. It was rebuilt by local business owners, and moved to its present location.

The “Haunted” Pillar of the Lower Market Marker, looking east along Broad Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, June 6, 2010

2. The “Haunted” Pillar of the Lower Market Marker, looking east along Broad Street

Marker, at far left and the existing pillar. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, June 6, 2010

3. Marker, at far left and the existing pillar.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 4,047 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on December 1, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on August 6, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.