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

Frank Garvin Yerby

King of the Costume Novel

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Frank Garvin Yerby Marker

Inscription. Born in Augusta on September 5, 1916, author Frank Garvin Yerby graduated from the Haines Institute and Paine College, and also attended Fisk University and the University of Chicago. He published poetry, short stories, and 33 novels, 12 of which became best sellers. His early novels depicted White characters in historical events; his later works focused on Black characters. Widely celebrated, he was criticized by some African Americans for not confronting racial injustice more openly in his writings. In rebuttal, Yerby challenged critics to read several of his works, including Speak Now and The Dahomean, which he felt addressed racism. Yerby moved to France in 1951 and then Madrid, Spain, in 1955, where he lived until his death on November 30, 1991. His works have been adapted for motion pictures and translated into 30 languages.

Erected 2023 by Georgia Historical Society • Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History • Haines Alumni Association • Paine College. (Marker Number 121-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 5, 1916.

Location. 33° 27.796′

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N, 81° 58.282′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. It is on 8th Street north of Laney Walker Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 8th St, 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, Sr. (1881-1913) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dyess Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Trinity CME (approx. ¼ mile away); Neighbors on the Canal (approx. ¼ mile away); Reverend C. T. Walker (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. Thomas Walter Josey (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dr. James Edward Carter (approx. half a mile away); Rev. Nathaniel T. Young, Sr. (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . . Frank Yerby. Yerby’s first literary success came in 1944, when he received the O. Henry Memorial Award for his short story “Health Card,” which focuses on the racial inequities faced by an African American soldier and his wife. Prior to the story, Yerby had written a protest novel about racial inequities in the South, but publishers had rejected it. (Valerie Frazier, New Georgia Encyclopedia) (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Frank Garvin Yerby Marker

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 10, 2025

3. Frank Garvin Yerby Marker

The marker has been relocated slightly south to be squared up on the red building now.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 27, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.