Marietta in Cobb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
African Americans at the Root House
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 11, 2023
1. African Americans at the Root House Marker
Inscription.
African Americans at the Root House. . In 1860, forty-five percent of the population of Marietta was enslaved. There were four enslaved persons at the Root property – two men and two women, ranging in age from 35 to 73. There was a separate dwelling for these individuals noted in the 1860 Federal Census. Research reveals that two of these individuals may have been Lall Burge and Elsay Blake. Records indicate that of the possible enslaved individuals of the Root House, Mr. Burge moved north to Bartow County by 1867, but Ms. Blake remained as a domestic worker, living at the Root family's address. After the Civil War, many Black residents of Cobb County lived and worked in farm tenancy or as domestic employees. Jobs outside the domestic realm and agriculture included work at the Brumby Chair Company, McNeil Monuments Company, and the Glover Machine Works, which employed Black laborers after the Civil War. , The William Root House is owned and operated by Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, Inc. Learn more at WilliamRootHouse.com.
In 1860, forty-five percent of the population of Marietta was enslaved.
There were four enslaved persons at the Root property – two men and two
women, ranging in age from 35 to 73. There was a separate dwelling for these
individuals noted in the 1860 Federal Census. Research reveals that two of
these individuals may have been Lall Burge and Elsay Blake. Records indicate
that of the possible enslaved individuals of the Root House, Mr. Burge moved
north to Bartow County by 1867, but Ms. Blake remained as a domestic
worker, living at the Root family's address. After the Civil War, many Black
residents of Cobb County lived and worked in farm tenancy or as domestic
employees. Jobs outside the domestic realm and agriculture included work at
the Brumby Chair Company, McNeil Monuments Company, and the Glover
Machine Works, which employed Black laborers after the Civil War.
The William Root House is owned and operated by Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, Inc. Learn more at WilliamRootHouse.com.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 33° 57.297′ N, 84° 33.123′ W. Marker is in Marietta, Georgia, in Cobb County. Marker can be reached
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from the intersection of North Marietta Parkway Northwest (Georgia Route 5) and Polk Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 North Marietta Pkwy NW, Marietta GA 30060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Slavery in the Urban South. Recently discovered family papers and new research into public documents are helping to tell the story of the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at the Root House property. (William Root House) (Submitted on July 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 11, 2023
2. African Americans at the Root House Marker
Featured marker is on the right.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 11, 2023
3. The William Root House
It was built in 1845 for Marietta druggist William Root, his wife Hannah and their children.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
