Near Plains in Sumter County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Archery, Georgia
Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2012
1. Archery, Georgia Marker Post
This rural community of Archery, established in the 1800’s, consisted of a train stop, houses of railroad employees, the St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, a school for black youth, and a store. The community was named for Sublime Order of Archery, a relief organization of the A.M.E. Church which assisted the southern black families. Two permanent white families, the Watsons and the Carters, lived here. Edward Herman Watson was the Seaboard Railroad section foreman and James Earl Carter, Sr., was the father of Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States who spent his youth here. The other 25 families were African-American.William Decker Johnson, bishop of the A.M.E. Church, became the most prominent person in Archery. He came here with the purpose of establishing a school for black youth lacking the resources for an education. The Johnson Home Industrial College opened its doors in 1912 and offered technical classes aiding students to obtain jobs. This school offered male and female students primary, high school, collegiate, and vocational classes. Bishop Johnson’s efforts for the cause of education had many
Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2012
2. Archery, Georgia Marker Post
Two of the (few) remaining houses of Archery are in the background.
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 1.743′ N, 84° 26.5′ W. Marker was near Plains, Georgia, in Sumter County. Marker was at the intersection of Bishop Johnson Circle (County Route 61) and Old Plains Highway, on the right when traveling north on Bishop Johnson Circle. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Plains GA 31780, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Farm / From Here To Plains (approx. half a mile away); Jimmy Carter Slept Here (approx. half a mile away); Always a Reckoning (approx. half a mile away); The Earl and Lillian Carter Home (approx. half a mile away); Tennis Court (approx. half a mile away); Winds of Change (approx. half a mile away);
Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2012
3. Archery, Georgia Marker Post
Looking north on Bishop Johnson Road. The county line runs down the center of the road, with Webster County on the left (west) and Sumter County on the right (east).
More about this marker. The marker was erected sometime in the 1990s, and probably disappeared in 2010 or 2011.
Regarding Archery, Georgia. The Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, is approximately one-quarter mile east of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 735 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
