Albany in Dougherty County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Colonel Nelson Tift
Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
1. Colonel Nelson Tift Marker
Nelson Tift, founder of the City of Albany, was born at Groton, Conn., July 23, 1810. In 1833 he established a mercantile business in Augusta, Georgia. After a sojourn in Hawkinsville he moved to Albany, then in Baker County, in 1836.
Politically active, Col. Tift served as justice of the peace; delegate to the State Convention, 1840; justice of the Inferior Court; member Georgia House of Representatives for several terms, member of Congress, 1868-1869. He was re-elected but was not seated the next term. He was a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention in 1877.
Founder of the Augusta Guards in 1835, Tift was elected Colonel of the Baker County Militia in 1840. During the War Between the States he operated a beef and pork packing plant and hardtack factory in Albany without remuneration.
Col. Tift owned an extensive plantation, operated lumber, flour and corn-meal mills, promoted the building of several railroads, and edited and published the Albany Patriot.
He died November 21, 1891, and is buried in Oakview Cemetery. Tift County is named for him.
Erected 1959 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 047-4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
this page online
Location. 31° 34.718′ N, 84° 9.137′ W. Marker is in Albany, Georgia, in Dougherty County. Marker is at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Champion Lane, on the right when traveling west on Pine Avenue. The marker stands in front of the Albany-Dougherty County Justice Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 225 Pine Avenue, Albany GA 31701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dougherty County (here, next to this marker); British Royal Air Force Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Alley and City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Albany (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Albany Herald (about 300 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 600 feet away); Albany Lights (about 600 feet away); Albany Municipal Auditorium (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Also see . . . Nelson Tift 1810-1891
Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
2. Colonel Nelson Tift Marker
The marker stands next to a marker for Dougherty County.
Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
3. Colonel Nelson Tift Marker
The marker (and its companion) in front of the Albany-Dougherty County Justice Building.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,047 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
