Near Sparta in Hancock County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Nathan S.S. Beman at Mt. Zion
(Nov. 26, 1785 - Aug. 6, 1871)
Photographed By David Seibert, October 28, 2009
1. Nathan S.S. Beman at Mt. Zion Marker
Nathan Sidney Beman, Presbyterian minister, educator, editor, college president, after graduating from Middlebury College, Vermont, taught and preached in New England until 1812, when he came with his wife to Georgia to regain his health. “A man of intelligence and almost boundless energy,” Nathan Beman found unusual opportunities in Georgia where wealthy planters were banding together to establish centers of religious instruction and education for their children. In late 1812, Beman became teacher and pastor at Mt. Zion, an academy town founded by Hancock County planters in 1811. Some of the State’s leading families supported Mt. Zion Academy which became one of the most celebrated schools in Georgia. The outstanding men Beman attracted to teach contributed much to the state in educational and religious leadership.
Offered the presidency of the University of Georgia, Beman accepted reluctantly and temporarily, resigning because of his wife’s illness and death in 1819. He continued to direct the Academy, to preach, and to edit The Missionary, a weekly gospel newspaper. In 1821 he married Mrs. Caroline
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Erected 1966 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 070-12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Education. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 33° 21.467′ N, 83° 0.161′ W. Marker is near Sparta, Georgia, in Hancock County. Marker is at the intersection of Georgia Route 15 and Sigman Road, on the right when traveling south on State Route 15. The marker is at Mt. Zion church, a building begun in 1813. This building is all that remains of the community of Mt. Zion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sparta GA 31087, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mt. Zion Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Gov. William Jonathan Northen (approx. 0.4 miles away); “July” 1858 (approx. 4.2 miles away); Shoulder-bone Creek Treaty (approx. 4.7 miles away); Camilla and Zack Hubert Homesite (approx. 5.1 miles away); Gov. William Rabun
Photographed By David Seibert, October 28, 2009
2. Nathan S.S. Beman at Mt. Zion Marker
Mt. Zion church is in the background
Also see . . . Nathan S. S. Beman. (Submitted on November 6, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Photographed By David Seibert, August 2, 2012
3. Nathan S.S. Beman at Mt. Zion Marker
The marker has now been slightly relocated, further from the highway.
Photographed By David Seibert, November 4, 2007
4. Mt. Zion Church
The Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church was begun in 1813. The church declined in membership following the Civil War, and was transferred to the Methodists, who held services until 1958. It is the only remaining building of the Mt. Zion community.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,067 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on August 12, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 4. submitted on November 4, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
