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

Augustus R. Johnson

1853-1908

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Augustus R. Johnson Marker

Inscription.
In 1869, he became the first Black licensed to teach by the State of Georgia and paid by the State School Fund. Born in Augusta and educated in the public schools, he earned the A.B. and A.M. degrees from the Augusta Institute, now Morehouse College.

Appointed principal of the first grammar school in Augusta for Black children, he later served as principal of Mauge Street School – at one point reputedly the largest grammar school in the Georgia System. For 40 years, he worked in the Augusta Public School System.

The beloved educator fulfilled several long-standing civic roles: Mason and President of the Lincoln Memorial Association, Clerk of the Shiloh Association, and prominent member of the Knights of Pythias. A founder of the Douglass Infantry, the first State military company in Augusta, Johnson was commissioned by the State of Georgia as a Lieutenant Colonel. An outstanding churchman, he provided leadership as deacon, church clerk and, for 36 years, Superintendent of Sunday School at Harmony Baptist Church.

Erected by The Augusta African American Historical Society.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 33° 27.972′ N, 81° 58.862′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. It is at the intersection of Laney Walker Boulevard and 13th Street, on the right when traveling east on Laney Walker Boulevard. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1324 Laney Walker Blvd, 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: Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John Hope (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Augustus R. Johnson Marker

The marker is in front of A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, a high school named in his honor.

Dr. Channing H. Tobias (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie J. Mays (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace (within shouting distance of this marker); Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (within shouting distance of this marker); Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,088 times since then and 409 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.