Near Griffin in Spalding County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

John McIntosh Kell

Photographed by David Seibert, January 25, 2010

1. John McIntosh Kell Marker Post

Inscription. Near this site was the home of Captain John McIntosh Kell, Executive Officer of the Confederate cruisers Alabama and Sumter. After entering the United States Navy at the age of 17, he served in the Mexican War and in 1853 on Perry’s expedition to Japan. Upon Georgia’s secession from the Union, Kell was the first U.S. Naval officer to offer his services to the South. After the Civil War, at his home here in Sunny Side, Kell entertained his friend, the famous Georgia poet Sidney Lanier, who, during a visit in 1874, wrote the poem "Corn." Kell served as Adjutant General of Georgia from 1887 until his death here in 1900.

Erected 1940 by Works Progress Administration.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Mexican-American • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 33° 19.933′ N, 84° 17.283′ W. Marker was near Griffin, Georgia, in Spalding County. It was on Old Atlanta Road (Old Georgia Route 41)

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0.1 miles north of Caruso Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Griffin GA 30223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Georgia’s Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named John McIntosh Kell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cavalry Skirmish at Bear Creek Station (approx. 3.3 miles away); Hampton Depot (approx. 3.7 miles away); David Ragan (approx. 3.7 miles away); Dr. W.E. (Brother Bill) Brannon (approx. 3.7 miles away); Darrell Waltrip (approx. 3.7 miles away); Davey Allison (approx. 3.7 miles away); Bobby Allison (approx. 3.7 miles

Photographed by David Seibert, January 25, 2010

2. John McIntosh Kell Marker Post

Looking north on Old Atlanta Road (Old US Highway 41) toward the community of Sunnyside.

away).

More about this marker. In 2001 the Georgia Historical Society installed a modern marker (see 11704) to replace the long-missing WPA marker. The text is taken from that modern marker.

Regarding John McIntosh Kell. The book “Griffin, Georgia: We Could Have Been Famous... Volume 2: Heroes, 1890-1949” by KyL T. Cobb, Jr. contains the following information about the featured marker and other markers. They were placed as part of the celebration of the centennial of the founding of Griffin, Georgia.
“June 18 [1940] was “Aviation Day” and it began with the presentation of three historical markers. One of the markers was at the home of John McIntosh Kell in Sunny Side. The other two markers were placed at Camp Stephens and Camp Milner. An air show was the featured event of the day.”

John McIntosh Kell image. Click for full size.

U. S. Navy Historical Center

3. John McIntosh Kell

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,206 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 16, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Possibly a photo of the original marker that was here? • Can you help?