Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Joseph Vallence Bevan
(1798-1830)
— Georgia's First Official Historian —
Born at Dublin, Ireland. Son of a Georgia planter, Joseph V. Bevan attended the Univ. of Georgia for two years and graduated in 1816 from the College of S.C. after which he enlarged his education in England. There he became the friend of the celebrated William Godwin who wrote the young Georgian a widely-published letter suggesting a course of studies.
In 1824 Bevan became the first official historian of Georgia. The Legislature empowered him to collect and publish the papers and documents in the State archives. This he did with method and industry and was the first to recognize the importance of copying the Colonial records of Georgia in London.
Bevan served Chatham County in the Legislature in 1827. A former editor of the Augusta Chronicle, he became in 1828 co~editor and co~publisher of the Savannah Georgian. His projected history of Georgia was never completed, death cutting short the career of the popular Savannahian at the age of thirty~two.
Erected 1964 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-85.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.
Location. 32° 4.502′ 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. Marker located in Colonial Park (Cemetery). 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. James Johnston (a few steps from this marker); Edward Greene Malbone (a few steps from this marker); Archibald Bulloch (a few steps from this marker); Duellist's Grave (a few steps from this marker); William Scarbrough (a few steps from 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.
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 1,724 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on February 20, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on September 12, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.