Near Albany in Lee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Palymra
Palmyra, Georgia “ghost town,” was incorporated in 1840 with John Woolbright, John Mercer, Burch M. Roberts, Edward Janes, George S. Oglesby as Commissioners. Among the prominent residents were: Doctors Jeremiah Hilsman, Leonidas Mercer, John B. Gilbert; Hon. Lott Warren, Congressman and jurist; Rev. Jonathan Davis, Baptist preacher; Henry Morgan, schoolteacher-lawyer; Leonidas Jordan, “one of the wealthiest men in the State;” Charles Randall, co-inventor with Dr. Leonidas Mercer of the cotton planter. Intermittent fever (malaria) and the coming of the railroad to Albany caused its decline. Many pioneer citizens of Albany moved there from Palmyra.
Palmyra Baptist Church was one of the earliest in this area. In 1867, when the white population dwindled, this property was given to the Negroes. By the church, in a small cemetery, John Mercer, uncle of Rev. Jesse Mercer, and others are buried. On a hill, ½ mile NW, is the larger Palmyra Cemetery. Beyond the church, toward Leesburg, part of the old Mercer home remains. Near here, at the “square” spring, is the site of Watson’s Cotton Gin Factory, where “articles manufactured are said to be unrivaled in their performance and durability.”
Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 088-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 31° 38.27′ N, 84° 11.672′ W. Marker is near Albany, Georgia, in Lee County. Marker is on Palmyra Road, 0.1 miles north of Fussell Road, on the left when traveling north. The markers stands at the Palmyra Baptist Church Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2916 Palmyra Road, Albany GA 31701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Royal Air Force (approx. 2.6 miles away); Edward Vason Jones (approx. 2.9 miles away); Cox Landing Park (approx. 3.3 miles away); Albany Home of Governor George D. Busbee (approx. 3.4 miles away); Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (approx. 4 miles away); St. Teresa's Catholic Church (approx. 4.4 miles away); Albany’s First Brick House (approx. 4½ miles away); De Soto in Georgia (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,158 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.