Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace
| | 1878-1938 | |
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023
1. Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace Marker
Reverend Wallace graduated from Howard University. A former pastor of Trinity CME Church. He envisioned a library where black children, denied access to local public libraries, could study, read for pleasure and conduct research. Rev. Wallace led a letter-writing campaign that resulted in the white community donating the old firehouse on Gwinnett Street, now known as Laney Walker Boulevard. The black community responded by donating books, and the Community Library officially opened in the fall of 1937. After the death of Rev. Wallace, his wife, Etta V. Wallace, continued his work, serving as Library Director until 1953. The library is now named in his honor.
A Buffalo Soldier, Wallace served in the Spanish American War. As a member of the legendary 10th Calvary, he fought at San Juan Hill in 1898. He posthumously received a commendation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for his service in the Spanish American War.
Erected 2011 by Claire Pickens (granddaughter) The Wallace family Augusta African American Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education
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Location. 33° 27.969′ N, 81° 58.83′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. It is on Laney Walker Boulevard 0.1 miles west of C S Hamilton Way, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of the Wallace Branch Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1237 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: Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (a few steps from this marker); Carrie J. Mays (a few steps from this marker); Thelma Butterfly McQueen (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Channing H. Tobias (a few steps from this marker); Sidney Beau Jack Walker (a few steps from
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023
2. Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace Marker
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3. Rev. Samuel Butler and Henrietta "Etta" Vivian Jones Wallace
The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System named the Laney Walker branch after the couple in recognition of their work for the library.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 611 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
