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

The Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 16, 2026

1. The Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue Marker

Inscription. In 1846, Augusta-area Jews founded the city's first congregation, B'nai Israel, later Congregation Children of Israel (CCI), building its first synagogue here in 1869. Membership reflected Jewish migration to the United States, including Central and Eastern European Jews seeking to escape persecution to find economic opportunities and social freedoms. CCI was founded as Orthodox, representing traditional views, like other congregations across the US between 1860-1880, and later adopted the progressive practices of Reform Judaism to serve its diverse congregation. Jewish migration to Augusta increased until the federal 1924 Immigration Act limited Eastern European Jewish immigration. In 1951, CCI moved to a larger synagogue on Walton Way. The city used the original synagogue as offices until 2015. Now preserved, it is the oldest standing synagogue building in Georgia and operates as the Augusta Jewish Museum Cultural Center.

Erected 2025 by the Georgia Historical Society and the Augusta Jewish Museum. (Marker Number 121-29.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration

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• Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 33° 28.217′ N, 81° 57.681′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Downtown Augusta. It is on Telfair Street west of 5th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 525 Telfair St, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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: Gates of Repentance (a few steps from this marker); Richmond County Court of Ordinary (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Nicholas Ware (within shouting distance

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 16, 2026

2. The Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue Marker

of this marker); The Riot of May 11-12, 1970 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richmond County (about 400 feet away); Medical College Building (about 500 feet away); Signers of the Declaration of Independence (about 500 feet away); The Signers' Monument (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Other markers no longer nearby. Congregation Children of Israel (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Old Richmond Academy Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 16, 2026

3. The Congregation Children of Israel Synagogue Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.