Greensboro in Guilford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
"The Genesis Monument"
"Genesis" of The City of Greensboro
In 1807 a petition from the people of southeast Guilford, many of whom were from the German settlements, was filed with the General Assembly requesting that the county seat be moved from Guilford Court House or Martinsville southeastwardly to the center of county. Heading the petition was the following surveyor's map showing Guilford Court House or Martinsville to the northwest and the supposed center to the southeast of Guilford Court House.
This monument marks the approximate site of the center of the county as determined by the unknown surveyor and shown on his map. despite a counterpetition from the people of northwest Guilford, most of whom were Ulster Scots (Scotch-Irish) or English Quakers, the General Assembly granted the request of the first petition and authorized the establishing of the town or Greensborough, named for General Nathanael Greene, leader of the American forces in the southern campaign of the American Revolution climaxing at the decisive Battle of Guilford Court House, 15 March 1781, which led to Yorktown and American independence six months later.
Original Guilford, established in 1771 and named for Francis Forth, first Earl of Guilford, in compliment to his son, frederick, british prime minister, who became the second Earl, included present Guilford, Rockingham and Randolph Counties and after the latter two were formed the county seat at Guilford Court House was noticeably offcenter for the reduced county, hence the petition to the legislature resulting the founding of Greensborough.
This spot being lowground and somewhat swampy, the commissioners named in the legislative act picked the more suitable higher ground centered around the crossing of what are now Elm and Market Streets for the location or the town. The new courthouse was located at this intersection, which became known as Courthouse Square. The village was laid out in 1808 on the 42 acres of land purchased by the commissioners for $98 from Ralph Gorrell of the Alamance Church area, a Scotch-Irish settler from Northern Ireland.
Erected 1971 by Colonel James G.W. MacLamroc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 36° 4.927′ N, 79° 47.269′ W. Marker is in Greensboro, North Carolina, in Guilford County. Marker can be reached from North Park Drive east of North Elm Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in Fisher Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N Park Dr, Greensboro NC 27401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fisher Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boaz-Jennings House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Turner House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Campbell House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Boaz House (approx. 0.4 miles away); George Preddy (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Fisher Park Neighborhood (approx. 0.4 miles away); William C. Beasley House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greensboro.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 741 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on April 3, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 20, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.