Crawfordville in Taliaferro County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 11, 2011

1. Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston Marker

Inscription.
Richard Malcolm Johnston (1822–1898), educator and author, was born at Powelton. Later, his father moved to Crawfordville for better school facilities for his children. The Powelton home was torn down and reerected on this site. Johnston was educated at old Crawfordville Academy and Mercer University. Among his best known works are “Dukesborough Tales,” “Old Mark Langston,” and with W.H. Browne, “Alexander H. Stephens.” Stephens is said to have received his idea of keeping open house at “Liberty Hall” from the great hospitality of the Johnston family in their home across the street.

Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 131-16.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list.

Location. 33° 33.406′ N, 82° 53.7′ W. Marker is in Crawfordville, Georgia, in Taliaferro County. Marker is on Park Street just east of Memorial Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crawfordville GA 30631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Crawfordville Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Hall (about 400 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); a different marker also named Liberty Hall (about 400 feet away); Crawfordville Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); Taliaferro County World Wars Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roselle Mercier Montgomery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Tavern Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crawfordville Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crawfordville.

Also see . . .
1. Richard Malcolm Johnston (1822–1898). New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry:
“Johnston’s writing has been called a bridge between antebellum humor and postbellum local color traditions. In his four novels and six other collections of stories, he never strayed far from the themes he explored in Dukesborough Tales, which included schooling, law, marriage, death, religion, paternalism, and the psychological conflict within rural families over such issues as land greed.” (Submitted on January 17, 2009.)

2. Autobiography of Col. Richard Malcolm Johnston. Documenting the American South website entry:
“Some years ago my friend Henry M. Alden, at whose house I was staying for the night, said that I ought to write a book telling reminiscences of myself and

Photographed By Tristan Budd, January 3, 2009

2. Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston Marker

others whom I had known. At that time I thought little of the suggestion, not that I was not much interested in my many friends and very many acquaintances, and intensely so in myself, but I did not see how I could make clearly my recollection of these interesting to others. Now that I have grown old and, like others at my time, growing more and more fond of looking back and admiring the past, I decide to put down some notes which I trust will be perused with interest by those who have known me, particularly those who have known me best.” (Submitted on January 17, 2009.)

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 11, 2011

3. Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston Marker

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 11, 2011

4. Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston Marker

Looking west toward the A.H. Stephens Park/Liberty Hall (to the right).

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 11, 2011

5. Site of Childhood Home of Richard Malcolm Johnston Marker

Building has a sign that indicates it either is, or was a Masonic Lodge. Marker arrow is pointing toward the side and back yard of the property.

Richard Malcolm Johnston (1822–1898) image. Click for full size.

the painter Thomas Cromwell Corner, circa 1895

6. Richard Malcolm Johnston (1822–1898)

Photographic reproduction of this painting courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2009, by Tristan Budd of Kingsland, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,951 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 2. submitted on January 17, 2009, by Tristan Budd of Kingsland, Georgia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 12, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 6. submitted on January 17, 2009. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.