Canton in Cherokee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Joseph Emerson Brown
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
1. Joseph Emerson Brown Marker
Born April 15, 1821 in Pickens District, South Carolina, he grew up in Union County, Georgia. He taught to pay for his education and while teaching in Canton he read law at night, being admitted to the bar in August, 1845.
He graduated from the Yale Law School and practiced law in this city. He was elected State Senator in 1849; Judge of the Superior Court, Blue Ridge Circuit, in 1855; Governor in 1857, serving during the trying years of the War Between the States until 1865.
He was Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court from 1868 to 1870, resigning to become manager of the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
He was President of the Dade Coal Company, and had other large mining interests, and owned several farms. He was elected United States Senator in 1880; then elected for a second term.
In memory of his son, Charles McDonald Brown, he established a $50,000 scholarship at the University of Georgia.
Governor Brown died November 30, 1894. His Canton home stood near this marker. After his death his heirs presented this tract to the city for a park, fittingly named Brown Park
Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 028-3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education
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Location. 34° 14.111′ N, 84° 29.414′ W. Marker is in Canton, Georgia, in Cherokee County. It is on East Marietta Street 0 miles north of Elizabeth Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Brown Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton GA 30114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains and in Metro Atlanta. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, 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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cherokee County (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cherokee County Gold (about 800 feet away); Historic Stumptown Community (approx. half a mile away); Crescent Farm Rock Barn (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dallas Scott Hudgens, Jr. (approx. 5.1 miles away); "Eternal Patrol" (approx. 5.2 miles away); Battle of Taliwa (approx. 9.6 miles away); Thomas B. Newton House (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Buffington (was approx. 4.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
2. Joseph Emerson Brown Marker
Note the arch to the right, and the Canton City Hall to the left rear.
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
3. The Arch in Brown Park
This is the Civil War Side
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
4. The Arch in Brown Park
The Great War Side
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
5. Dedication Stone in Brown Park
Front of Stone
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
6. Dedication Stone in Brown Park
Rear of Stone
Photographed by David Seibert, August 13, 2009
7. Dedication Stone in Brown Park
The text originally is from John Greenleaf Whittier, inscription on a Sun Dial for the Rev. Henry T. Bowditch. It reads, "With warning hand I mark Time's rapid flight, From Life's glad morning to its solemn night; Yet, through the dear Lord's love, I also show There's light above me by the shade I throw." The fourth side of the stone is blank.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,712 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 23, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
