Ludowici in Long County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Franklinia Altamaha
Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 4, 2009
1. Franklina Altamaha Marker
The Franklin Tree (Franklinia Altamaha) was discovered by John Bartram, the first Native American Botanist, on October 1, 1765. It was located about 18 miles south of here in the swamp lands of the Altamaha River. This tree was named after Benjamin Franklin and became famous as the Lost Franklinia
A member of the Camella family, this flowering tree was last seen growing wild in 1790. A specimen, transplanted to Bartram's garden in Philadelphia, Pa. survived and became the ancestors of the present cultivated plants
[ Georgia State Seal ]
Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks Historic Sites & Monuments
This marker was unveiled on the 176th Anniversary of Franklinia's discovery.
Erected 1941 by Long County Garden Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1757.
Location. 31° 40.708′ N, 81° 48.98′ W. Marker is in Ludowici, Georgia, in Long County. Marker is at the intersection of Savannah Highway (U.S. 25/301) and Fishing Road, on the left when traveling east on Savannah Highway. Located about a mile east of the bridge over the Altamaha River, just before the turn in to a quarry. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Defense of the Altamaha Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Doctortown (approx. 2.2 miles away); Historic Roads And Indian Trails (approx. 4.7 miles away); Long County Timeline Mural (approx. 4.8 miles away); Long County (approx. 4.8 miles away); Jones Creek Baptist Church (approx. 5˝ miles away); A Sesquicentennial Celebration (approx. 6.2 miles away); Wayne County Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ludowici.
Also see . . .
1. Franklinia Altamaha. Wikipedia entry:
It has been extinct in the wild since ca. 1803 but survives as a cultivated ornamental tree. (Submitted on January 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Franklinia Series: Finding Franklinia alatamaha (Part One of three). Bartram's Garden website entry (Submitted on January 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 4, 2009
2. Franklinia Altamaha Marker, looking north along US 301/ US 25 / GA 38
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009
3. Franklinia Altamaha Marker shares location with "Defense of the Altahama Bridge" Marker
Photographed By US Postal Service
4. Franklinia Altamaha Honored with a postage stamp
This 6-cent stamp was issued August 23, 1969 in Seattle, Washington as part of a set of four stamps showing famous plants associated with the four regions of the country. First day of issue were ceremonies were held in conjunction with the opening of the 11th International Botanical Congress in Seattle.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,173 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
