Madison in Morgan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Early Public Forum

Photographed By David Seibert, April 25, 2013

1. Early Public Forum Marker

Inscription. Common among the counties during the settlement period, Morgan County (1807) first transacted public business at a private residence - Fields Kennedy's home. After Madison was designated as the county seat in 1808 until the construction of a formal courthouse, the Superior and Inferior courts met here at the dwelling of Abraham McAfee (sheriff/local militia captain). The Inferior court was responsible for county improvements as well as Madison's initial survey and town layout.

McAfee's home (c.1806) is a form known as an "I-house" - two stories tall and one room deep typically with a central hall. Like many of Madison's early residences, the building featured rearward expansion, multiple porch additions, and the influence of popular architectural styles over time. Because of its significance, the property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and became the first individual historic property designated outside of the Madison Historic District (NR 1974, 1990; locally designated 1989).

Erected by The City of Madison Madison Bicentennial Commission 1809-2009 A Preserve America Community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 33°

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34.633′ N, 83° 27.217′ W. Marker is in Madison, Georgia, in Morgan County. Marker is on Bethany Road, 0.1 miles north of Madison Bypass (U.S. 129/441), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1750 Bethany Road, Madison GA 30650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Progressive Experiment (approx. 1.4 miles away); Foundation to Consolidation (approx. 1.4 miles away); Advanced Education Center (approx. 1.4 miles away); Community Settlement (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Stoneman Raid (approx. 1½ miles away); The March to the Sea (approx. 1½ miles away); Confederate Monument (approx. 1½ miles away); Joshua Hill Home (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Photographed By David Seibert, April 25, 2013

2. Early Public Forum Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, April 25, 2013

3. Early Public Forum Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, April 25, 2013

4. Early Public Forum Marker

The marker stands in front of the Abraham McAfee House, built about 1806. The house, which has been extensively remodeled and enlarged, is also known as the Wilson-Finney-Land house.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2017, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 7, 2017, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.