Waycross in Ware County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Vereen Bell Highway

<-------<<<

Photographed By David Seibert, January 16, 2012

1. Vereen Bell Highway Marker

Inscription. This access road into the great Okefenokee Swamp was named by the Georgia Legislature (1946) in memory of VEREEN BELL, Lt. USNR, young Georgia patriot and writer, who by his novel “SWAMP WATER” gave to the world insights into this unique area, and who gave his life for his country in World War II.

Born in Cairo, GA., Oct. 5, 1911; Davidson College A.B., 1932; home later, Thomasville; wife and two children; died Oct. 26, 1944.

His brilliant but brief literary career included two novels, many short stories and articles. He wrote mostly of nature and outdoor life, including the Okefenokee, which he loved and made the locale of several stories. Two separate motion pictures were made from “SWAMP WATER,” (20th C. Fox, 1942, 1952).

Volunteering for the Navy 1943, he became Intelligence Officer of Air Combat Squadron VC-10 on aircraft carrier GAMBIER BAY.

This valiant ship was sunk in the Battle for Leyte, Oct. 23, 1944. VEREEN BELL was injured, died the next day and was buried at sea of Samar Island, P.I. He dies nobly and unafraid.

Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 148-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 31° 7.776′ N, 82° 16.032′ W. Marker is in Waycross, Georgia, in Ware County. Marker is at the intersection of Okefenokee Swamp Park Road (Georgia Route 177) and Jacksonville Highway (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling west on Okefenokee Swamp Park Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waycross GA 31503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Okefenokee Swamp (approx. 6.8 miles away); Methodism Came To Waycross (approx. 7.6 miles away); The Wildes Massacre (approx. 7.7 miles away); Nancy Hart Highway (approx. 7.7 miles away); Ware County Georgia World War I Memorial (approx. 7.8 miles away); Waycross Confederate Monument (approx. 7.8 miles away); George W. Barnes Building (approx. 7.8 miles away); Senator Nicholas Ware (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waycross.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 16, 2012

2. Vereen Bell Highway Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, January 16, 2012

3. Vereen Bell Highway Marker

Looking southwest on Okefenokee Swamp Park Road (Vereen Bell Highway), GA 177, into the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp and the headwaters of the Suwanee River. The marker is on the right.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 16, 2012

4. Vereen Bell Highway Marker

The marker can barely be seen in the bushes to the left of the sign at the entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 909 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 2, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.