Toccoa in Stephens County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

George Washington Hitt

1913-1958

— Artist, Humanitarian, Philosopher —

George Washington Hitt Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 22, 2012

1. George Washington Hitt Marker

Inscription. “An unforgettable personality whose courage shone with such crystal brilliance as to brighten the world about him and uplift the spirits of those even more fortunate, but not fashioned of such heroic fibre. His is a name to remember when the going gets tough and the seductive voices of defeat sing their siren song.” -- Rogers, The Atlanta Journal.

Born March 31, 1913, his life was spent in Toccoa. Despite crippling rheumatoid arthritis, he led an active, creative life as an internationally known silhouette artist, reporter and technical writer. His philosophy was “No person is handicapped unless he perceives himself to be.” He received the Army-Navy E Award in 1945, the same year the U.S. Dept. of State distributed the story of his life abroad. In 1954 he received the national Who’s Crippled Award. His delicate silhouettes depicted people and events, but his most beautiful were of nature. His feeling for composition and sensitivity in artistic portrayal ranked him among the foremost silhouette artists of his day.

Erected 1984 by Stephens County Historical Society and Friends of George Hitt.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1777.

Location. 34° 35.561′

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N, 83° 20.002′ W. Marker is in Toccoa, Georgia, in Stephens County. Marker can be reached from Henderson Falls Road, one mile north of Toccoa Falls Road (Georgia Route 17). The marker is located on the paved trail in the Natural Resources Study Area of Henderson Falls Park. The trail begins at the north end of the parking area, paralleling the stream in the park and passing the small Henderson Falls en route to the marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toccoa GA 30577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capt. A.H. Ramsay, C.V. (approx. 0.9 miles away); Toccoa Korean War Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Toccoa City Hall (approx. 0.9 miles away); Stephens County (approx. 0.9 miles away); Stephen County Fallen Veterans Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Stephens County Revolutionary Soldiers Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Stephens County World War I Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Stephens County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toccoa.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 22, 2012

2. George Washington Hitt Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, August 22, 2012

3. George Washington Hitt Marker

Looking south at the trail toward the parking lot

Photographed By David Seibert, August 22, 2012

4. George Washington Hitt Marker

The marker and a small covered bridge over the steam in the park

Photographed By David Seibert, August 22, 2012

5. George Washington Hitt Marker

The marker, covered bridge, and group structure seen from the trail (near the small falls after which the park is named).

George Washington Hitt image. Click for full size.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)/New Deal Network

6. George Washington Hitt

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,198 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 28, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.