Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
James Johnston
Georgia's First Newspaper Publisher & Printer
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008
1. James Johnston - Georgia's First Newspaper Publisher & Printer Marker
Here repose the remains of James Johnston (1738-1808) - - editor of Georgia's first newspaper.
A native of Scotland, Johnston settled at Savannah in 1761. "Recommended as a person regularly bred and well skilled in the Art and mystery of Printing," he was appointed public printer of the Province by legislative Act during the following year. The first issue of the GEORGIA GAZETTE appeared at Savannah on April 7, 1763, and with some interruptions publication continued until 1802.
In the American Revolution, Johnston sympathized with the Royal Government and, in his words, "refused to admit to his Paper any of the Seditious publications then circulating through the different Provinces." He closed his printing press in February, 1776. when British rule was restored in 1779 he returned to Savannah and resumed publication of the newspaper under the title, ROYAL GEORGIA GAZETTE.
A good man and a skilled printer, Johnston did not lose the respect of the Patriots. After the Revolution he was permitted to return. In 1783 he began publication again under the style, GAZETTE OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA. He died in his 70th year, October 4, 1808.
Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-37.)
Topics and series.
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Location. 32° 4.496′ N, 81° 5.406′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker can be reached from East Oglethorpe Avenue. Located in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, Ga. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Vallence Bevan (a few steps from this marker); Edward Greene Malbone (a few steps from this marker); Duellist's Grave (a few steps from this marker); Archibald Bulloch (a few steps from this marker); William Scarbrough (within shouting distance of this marker); Button Gwinnett (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Clay, Patriot (within shouting distance of this marker); Major John Berrien (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Related marker.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
2. James Johnston Marker
Also see . . . Georgia Gazette. Georgia's first newspaper was the Georgia Gazette, published by James Johnston from 1763 until 1776. (Submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
3. James Johnston Marker, at Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
4. James Johnston Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008
5. Johnston Gravesite
Family mausoleum seen in background
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008
6. Grave
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 4,654 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 6, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
