Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Cedars

Photographed by David Seibert, August 25, 2009

1. The Cedars Marker

Inscription. In 1836, John Banks and his wife, the former Sarah Watkins, both natives of Elbert Co., Ga., moved to Columbus, bought this property (then totaling 265 acres) in the fashionable suburb of Wynnton and began construction of this Greek Revival house. Already a successful lawyer and merchant, Banks became involved in banking and manufacturing, the operation of large plantations south of the city, and local philanthropy including the co-founding of the Wynnton School on his property. The Cedars, his family residence, boasts 18-inch thick exterior brick walls and interior faux graining and marbling. It has remained continuously in the Banks family.

Erected 1994 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and Banks Descendants.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 32° 28.33′ N, 84° 57.69′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is at the intersection of 13th Street and Cedar Avenue, on the left when traveling east on 13th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2039 13th Street, Columbus GA 31906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

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 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: Wynnton School Library (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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He Helped Bring And Keep Fort Benning (approx. 0.4 miles away); Carson McCullers (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Elms (approx. half a mile away); Camp Benning (approx. 0.6 miles away); “Wildwood” (approx. ¾ mile away); The First Breech Loading Cannon (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Columbus Museum (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Another marker is no longer nearby. 1918 Diamond Jubilee 1993 Camp Benning / Fort Benning (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing).

The Cedars, Marker and House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, August 25, 2009

2. The Cedars, Marker and House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,627 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.