Midland in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

“Blind Tom”

Photographed by David Seibert, August 24, 2009

1. “Blind Tom” Marker

Inscription. 200 feet east is the grave of Thomas Wiggins, (1843-1908). As “Blind Tom” he thrilled audiences here and in Europe with his remarkable musical performances. Born a slave, his native genius let him reproduce perfectly on the piano any sound he heard, including classical compositions and the sounds of birds. His owners, the Bethune family, discovered his rich gift, when they heard exquisite music in their home near Columbus, and found the little blind boy at the piano. He reached the zenith of his fame on European tours during which he played before royalty.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 106-12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list.

Location. 32° 33.597′ N, 84° 51.746′ W. Marker is in Midland, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is at the intersection of Warm Springs Road and Grey Rock Road, on the right on Warm Springs Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7400 Warm Springs Road, Midland GA 31820, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Greater Columbus.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker

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, measured as the crow flies: Richard Christmas (approx. 2.8 miles away); Samuel Cooper (approx. 4 miles away); Liberty Hill Baptist Church (approx. 5 miles away); Fortson House / The Fortson Community (approx. 5.4 miles away); Fortson General Store (approx. 5.4 miles away); The Wire Road (approx. 6.1 miles away); Kingsboro & Cataula (approx. 6.6 miles away); Textile and Banking Pioneer (approx. 7.2 miles away).

Regarding “Blind Tom”. Wiggins' grave is in the private graveyard of "Westmoreland," the estate at 7400 Warm Springs Road.

This is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail.

Also see . . . Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908). A more complete biography of "Blind Tom" Wiggins. (Submitted on October 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Blind Tom's Burial
I saw a documentary about Blind Tom that said he's buried in New York. His information is also on findagrave.com.

— Submitted June 3, 2015.

Photographed by David Seibert, August 24, 2009

2. “Blind Tom” Marker

Sitting at the edge of Warm Springs Road, with the city of Columbus to the right (southwest)

Photographed by David Seibert, August 24, 2009

3. “Blind Tom” Marker

The entrance to Westmoreland, the estate where Wiggins is buried in the private cemetery, is to the left.

“Blind Tom”<br>The Celebrated Negro Pianist image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Harper's Weekly, February 10, 1866

4. “Blind Tom”
The Celebrated Negro Pianist

from Harper's Weekly, Feb. 10, 1866.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,158 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 4. submitted on August 9, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.