Griffin in Spalding County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The City of Griffin
Photographed By David Seibert, January 25, 2010
1. The City of Griffin Marker
The first city government of Griffin, founded in 1840 by General Lewis Lawrence Griffin, was authorized in 1843 when the General Assembly of Georgia granted it a charter. The charter was accepted locally in 1844 and the first municipal government was established in 1845. This consisted of a Board of Commissioners with Major Henry Moor, an attorney, acting as chairman. After serving later as mayor, Major Moor, with William Dewberry, represented Spalding County at the Secession Convention where both men voted to secede from the Union.
In 1850 the form of government changed to Mayor and City Council with Alexander Moore designated as the first mayor of Griffin. The Mayor-Council form was followed until December 10, 1918 when J. Woods Hammond was the last mayor. At that time Griffin inaugurated a three member commission with one member serving as chairman and providing for a city manager to be employed by the Board of Commissioners. The first commission was composed of J.W. Greasham, Chairman, R. F. Strickland, Vice-Chairman, B. B. Brown, Commissioner. E. P. Bridges was the first City Manager.
Erected 1959 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 126-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 33° 14.926′ N, 84° 15.718′ W. Marker is in Griffin, Georgia, in Spalding County. Marker is at the intersection of East Solomon Street and South 6th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Solomon Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Griffin GA 30223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis Lawrence Griffin (here, next to this marker); Lt. Walter Benjamin Forbes, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); P.F.C. Gary Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Cpl. W.E. Kenerly (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. S.E. Rickerson (within shouting distance of this marker); Tech 5 Raymond A. Manning (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. W. Maddox Bolton (within shouting distance of this marker); Tech 4 George Henry Allen (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Griffin.
Also see . . . Influence of famous architects on our local architectural styles. Scroll down for a list of architectural driving tours of Griffin. Excerpt from the page’s
Photographed By David Seibert, January 25, 2010
2. The City of Griffin Marker
The marker stands with another Georgia Historical Commission marker for Lewis Lawrence Griffin.
Gilman Drake, a 19th century architect, contractor, alderman, volunteer, fireman and bank president. Drake — scion of a Revolutionary War hero and bona fide New England aristocrat — arrived in Griffin from New Hampshire in the early 1850’s, on the eve of the Civil War. Working as a contractor, Drake designed and built a number of structures in Griffin, contributing extensively to the city’s growth and beauty.(Submitted on October 12, 2022.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,481 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
