Norwood in Warren County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Original R.F.D.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 19, 2009

1. The Original R.F.D. Marker

Inscription. In 1868 at Norwood six men along a five mile rural route hired Jerry Parsons, a Negro who could not read, to deliver and collect mail at their homes each day except Sundays and holidays for his food and clothing. The postmaster at Norwood each morning arranged the mail in correct order and “Uncle Jerry” began his ten mile walk covering, in all, 3,110 miles. Sen. Thomas Watson, then a boy clerking for Hon. T.E. Massengale, observed this perfect plan for Rural Free Delivery. In February 1893, Sen. Watson, then in Congress, sponsored the bill creating Rural Free Delivery, copying “Uncle Jerry’s” R.F.D. in Norwood.

Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 149-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society, and the Postal Mail and Philately series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1893.

Location. 33° 27.728′ N, 82° 42.415′ W. Marker is in Norwood, Georgia, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Atlanta Highway HW (U.S. 278) and Carey Street, on the left when traveling east on Atlanta Highway HW. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norwood GA 30821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. David Bushnell Monument (approx. 4.4 miles away); Warren County Revolutionary War Monument (approx. 4.6 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 4.6 miles away); Warren County Confederate Monument (approx. 4.6 miles away); National Flags of the Confederate States of America 1861-1865 (approx. 4.6 miles away); Muster Roll of Company H, 22nd Regiment (approx. 4.6 miles away); Muster Roll of Company B, 48th Regiment (approx. 4.6 miles away); Muster Roll of Company D, 5th Regiment (approx. 4.6 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Rural Free Delivery. Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is a service which began in the United States in the late 19th century, to deliver mail directly to rural farm families. (Submitted on September 14, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Thomas E. Watson. Thomas Edward "Tom" Watson (September 5, 1856 – September 26, 1922) was an American politician, attorney, newspaper editor, and writer from Georgia. (Submitted on September 14, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional keywords. Postal

Photographed By Brian Scott, August 26, 2015

2. The Original R.F.D. Marker

The Original R.F.D. Marker, looking west on U.S. 278 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 19, 2009

3. The Original R.F.D. Marker, looking west on U.S. 278

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,412 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on September 14, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on February 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.