Dalton in Whitfield County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
George Whitefield
Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011
1. George Whitefield Marker
George Whitefield (1714-70) was a noted evangelist, born in Gloucester, England. He met John and Charles Wesley at Oxford and with them formed the Holy Club. Ordained deacon in 1736, he followed the Wesleys to Georgia in 1738 and founded Bethesda Orphanage (oldest in American) at Savannah (1740).
After doctrinal differences with the Wesleys he founded the Calvinistic Methodists.
He made seven trips to America, preaching in Georgia, Pennsylvania and New England. He died while holding a meeting in Newburyport, Mass., and is buried there.
Whitfield County (1851), created from Murray, originally Cherokee county, was named for him.
Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 155-28.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1736.
Location. 34° 46.317′ N, 84° 58.283′ W. Marker is in Dalton, Georgia, in Whitfield County. It is on North Thornton Avenue (U.S. 41) just north of West Crawford Street, on the right when
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, 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: William C. Martin House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tristram Dalton (about 700 feet away); Western and Atlantic Railroad Depot (approx. Ό mile away); General Cleburnes Proposal to Arm Slaves (approx. Ό mile away); The Huff House (approx. Ό mile away); Our Textile Legacy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Dalton! (approx. 0.3 miles away); Campaign for Atlanta: Johnston's Review (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dalton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Joseph E. Johnston Memorial (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. George Whitefield. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 24, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. Bethesda. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on July 24, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011
2. George Whitefield Marker
North Thornton Avenue (US Highway 41) is in the background.
Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011
3. George Whitefield Marker
Looking south on Thornton Avenue (US Highway 41) toward the Blunt House, one of the earliest houses in Dalton.
Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011
4. George Whitefield Marker
Looking north on Thornton Avenue, toward the area where General Sherman's Campaign for Atlanta began.
Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011
5. George Whitefield Marker
Looking north at the marker, standing at the edge of the Whitfield County Courthouse.
Photographed by Wikipedia
6. George Whitefield
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, April 29, 2026
7. George Whitefield Marker
Marker is still on courthouse lawn but has been moved closer to Crawford Street than Thornton Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,597 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 19, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 7. submitted on April 29, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
