LaFayette in Walker County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Marsh House
Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
1. The Marsh House Marker
The family's first home was a Williamsburg-style cottage on the site of the present house. While their new house was being built, the Marshes lived in a log house near what is now the town square. When completed, the house had four rooms over four rooms with wide central halls on the first and second floors. A large porch with square columns was constructed on the south side of the house; a second story balcony with a door from the upstairs hall was built over this porch. The original kitchen was in the basement on the east
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In the mid-1830's, residents of the growing community wished to build a new building to replace the one-room log cabin which served as a school at that time. Mr. Marsh donated the land just south of his residence for the new school, originally called Chattooga Academy and later dedicated as John B. Gordon Hall. The Marsh home became the school-time residence of John B. Gordon who later served as a Confederate general and Georgia governor.
In 1863, when it became apparent that the Civil War would come to Northwest Georgia, the Marshes moved south to Cassville, Georgia. During their absence, the house was occupied by Union troops. After the war the Marshes returned home to find all their furniture and household items had been taken. The floors in the downstairs hall were blood soaked and marked with the hoof prints of horses. The family found many bullets in the outer walls and bullet holes in the glass around the upstairs outer door on the house's south side. The family restored
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
2. The Marsh House Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of Spencer Marsh.
The house remained in the family for more than 150 years. The last member of the family to occupy the house was Mr. Marsh's great-granddaughter, Addie Augusta Wert. Walker County purchased the house in spring 2003. Under an agreement with the Walker County Historical Society, the county owns the building and participates in its preservation through the Walker County Historic Preservation Commission and the Marsh House Community Task Force.
Erected by Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail. (Marker Number #2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1863.
Location. 34° 42.534′ N, 85° 16.839′ W. Marker is in LaFayette, Georgia, in Walker County. It can be reached from North Main Street (Georgia Route 1) north of Wardlaw Street. This marker has been paired with another marker, both of which are covered by a canopy. It is located in
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
3. The Marsh House Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a map made by Colonel William E. Merrill, Chief Engineer of the Army of the Cumberland, that shows the location of LaFayette, Georgia.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, 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 walking distance of this marker: Chattooga Academy (here, next to this marker); Chattooga Academy - John B. Gordon Hall (here, next to this marker); John B. Gordon Hall (a few steps from this marker); Bragg's Headquarters Shell Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); General LaFayette (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
4. The Marsh House Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of Ruth Brantley Marsh.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
5. The Marsh House Marker
View of the marker (seen on the left) that has been paired with another marker, both of which are covered by a canopy.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
6. The Marsh House Marker
View of the marker situated just to the left of the Chattooga Academy marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
7. The Marsh House Marker
View of the marker located a short distance to the north of the Chattooga Academy building.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
8. The Marsh House Marker
View of the marker located a short distance to the south of the Marsh House.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 20, 2014
9. The Marsh House
View of the Marsh House.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,172 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 29, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
