Near Monroe in Walton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

King Cotton

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2024

1. King Cotton Marker

Inscription. The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 greatly influenced the economic development of the South, including Walton County. Prior to this invention, the processing of cotton was so labor intensive that growing the crop was not profitable except in the coastal areas. The cotton gin changed everything, making the growing of cotton as a cash crop for small farmers very profitable.

Upon acquiring the homestead property in 1836, William Harris grew cotton as the family's cash crop. Every inch of land not required for subsistence was planted in cotton and each year more land was cleared for additional production. In 1860, the Harris homestead had 280 ‘improved’ acres and produced seven 400 lb. bales of ginned cotton.

Erected 2016 by Walton County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.

Location. 33° 53.703′ N, 83° 43.348′ W. Marker is near Monroe, Georgia, in Walton County. It can be reached from Winder-Monroe Highway (State Highway 11) 0.1 miles south

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of Emmett Doster Road Northwest, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the grounds of the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3636 GA-11, Monroe GA 30656, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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 walking distance of this marker: Boll Weevil Eradication Program (here, next to this marker); Harris Smokehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Harris Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); “Improved” Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Harris Family Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2024

2. King Cotton Marker

Featured marker is on top.

The William Harris Homestead (about 300 feet away); Soil and Water Conservation Districts (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named William Harris Homestead (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.