Dahlonega in Lumpkin County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Public Square
Photographed By David Seibert, May 2, 2010
1. The Public Square Marker
When surveyors laid out the original village, this square was designated The Public Square. The center of the Square was reserved for the construction of a courthouse, completed on 1836. The Public Square embodies the rights guaranteed to the people in the Constitution of the United States, including Freedom of Speech and Peaceable Assembly. Independence Day and the Fourth of July are celebrated here each year. Throughout the year, there are gala celebrations and more somber observances, including Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. The Gold Rush Days Festival each October recalls the Georgia Gold Rush of 1829 with the bittersweet echo of the forced removal of the Cherokees in 1838 along the trail of Tears. By folk tradition, bridal couples circle the Square three times to guarantee good luck in the marriage. Some funeral processions circle the Square in final farewell to the community. The Public Square had continued to serve its original purpose as a place where the people assemble to exercise their Constitutional Rights. It is a legacy to the present generation from all of the people who have come before.
The
this page online
Present to the city of Dahlonega, Georgia by the Lumpkin County Historical Society, Inc.
Erected by Lumpkin County Historical Society, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 34° 31.975′ N, 83° 59.11′ W. Marker is in Dahlonega, Georgia, in Lumpkin County. Marker is on Public Square North (Old U.S. 19) 0 miles west of North Park Street. The marker stands on the sidewalk on the Public Square, opposite the Old Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dahlonega GA 30533, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dahlonega Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Hall's Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin County Historic Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories
Photographed By David Seibert, May 2, 2010
2. The Public Square Marker
The marker, with Public Square North and the Old Courthouse in the background.
Additional keywords. forced relocation
Photographed By David Seibert, May 2, 2010
3. The Public Square Marker
Looking toward the northeast side of the Public Square
Photographed By David Seibert, May 2, 2010
4. The Old Lumpkin County Courthouse
The original Lumpkin County Courthouse, which sits in the middle of the Public Square, was built in 1836. It cost $6850, which was paid in gold bullion. It was replaced by a new courthouse in 1965, and is now the Gold Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on October 30, 2010, by R. Zebley of Rapid City, South Dakota. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 30, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
