Lumpkin in Stewart County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
John Wellborn Root Birthplace Site
John Wellborn Root (1850-1891), world famous architect, was born on this site. The son of Mary Clark and Sidney Root, he was educated in Lumpkin, Atlanta, New York, and Claremont and Oxford in England. A pioneer in some phases of architecture, he designed plans for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and for the Fine Arts Building that became Chicago’s permanent Museum of Fine Arts. He devised the system of grillage foundations, now standard practice in architecture, and his work was “modern, honest and structurally true”. He was a gifted musician, artist and amateur actor.
Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 128-15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 32° 3.049′ N, 84° 47.764′ W. Marker is in Lumpkin, Georgia, in Stewart County. Marker is on Maple Street just south of Broad Street (Georgia Route 27), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lumpkin GA 31815, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bedingfield Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Soldiers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Lumpkin and Stewart County (about 500 feet away); Stewart County Academy and Masonic Building (about 700 feet away); Masonic Female College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Providence Canyons (approx. 0.2 miles away); Westville Symposium / Academic Pioneers (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lumpkin.
Also see . . .
1. John W. Root. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. John Wellborn Root 1850-1891. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
3. John Wellborn Root. Chicago Tribute Marker of Distinction website entry (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Additional keywords. Architects
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 671 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 23, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.