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

William Carpenter, Sr.

1873-1959

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. William Carpenter, Sr. Marker

Inscription. Born into poverty in Edgefield, South Carolina, fewer than ten years after the Civil War, he became one of the wealthiest men in the Augusta area.

In South Carolina, he owned a 420-acre tract of land, farms in Beech Island and Sumter, and founded the town of Carpentersville. In Georgia, he opened two grocery stores, including the first black-owned grocery store on Broad Street in Augusta, and he had a ladies clothing store, a furniture store and a farm in Burke County.

He started the Georgia-Carolina Loan and Investment Company. During the Great Depression, he loaned money to Tabernacle Baptist Church, and he is said to have loaned money to the City of Augusta. He was instrumental in starting the Penny Savings Bank and served on the Advisory Committee of the Gwinnett Street Branch of the Georgia Railroad Bank and Trust Co.

Committed to using his wealth to benefit his community, his life was defined by his humility.

Erected by African-American Historical Committee Sponsors.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location.

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33° 27.951′ N, 81° 58.775′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is at the intersection of Laney Walker Boulevard and C S Hamilton Way, on the right when traveling west on Laney Walker Boulevard. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1215 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rev. Dr. Charles Spencer Hamilton (a few steps from this marker); Tabernacle Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Honorable John H. Ruffin, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Charles T. Walker (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. James Edward Carter Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. James Edward Carter (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Nathaniel T. Young, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Garvin Yerby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. William Carpenter, Sr. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.