South Downtown in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Haralson Bleckley, 1870-1933
"The man who had the vision"
Photographed By Dave W, September 2, 2022
1. Haralson Bleckley, 1870-1933 Marker
In 1909, architect Haralson Bleckley, proposed the construction of a community center plaza across from the west side of the state capitol as part of a city beautification and development plan. The concept was revived unsuccessfully several times for nearly a century until 2008 when the Georgia Building Authority proposed building a civic plaza on the east side of the capitol. The plan was approved by the GBA board in 2013 and funded through the proceeds from the sale of surplus property. Liberty Plaza was dedicated by Governor Nathan Deal on January 16, 2015.
Excerpt from Haralson Bleckley’s obituary:
"...Mr. Bleckley’s most cherished dreams were a plaza across the railway tracks in the midtown business district and a civic center in the area of the County Courthouse and the capitol.
With no thought of personal gain but from pure patriotism and a love of doing beautiful things, he spent years in evolving and embellishing these plans.
Some day they will be carried out, if Atlanta is true to her higher needs and her better self; for they are the vision of one who saw the ideal in terms of the real and clearly pointed the way to its achievement."
Erected by State of Georgia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
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Location. 33° 44.922′ N, 84° 23.24′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in South Downtown. Marker is on Capitol Avenue Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 262 Capitol Ave SE, Atlanta GA 30334, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of Kettle Creek (a few steps from this marker); The Great Seal of Georgia (a few steps from this marker); War Woman (within shouting distance of this marker); “Expelled Because of Color” (within shouting distance of this marker); William Ambrose Wright (within shouting distance of this marker); Eugene Talmadge (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Atlanta War Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 20 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on February 1, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
