Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Original Augusta Common - 1736
—Sir Robert Montgomery, 1717
Providing a common area is a city planning idea that is nearly unique among the colonial towns of the thirteen colonies of America.
When General James Oglethorpe ordered the first land survey of Augusta he had future expansion in mind. He foresaw new arrivals of colonists and the general increase in population, and reserved a Common of 600 acres around the town. Until growth came, the common could be used for fortifications, as pasture for cattle, sheep, and goats, "for the convenience of Air," and "for the use of the future inhabitants."
The Augusta Common surrounded the forty lots of the original town and was bounded by the outlying 50-acre Township Lots. In present day geography, it extended from the Savannah River south to present day Laney-Walker Boulevard, east to Second Street and west to Eighth Street. It provided room for Augusta's expansion by rectangular blocks through the middle nineteenth century. Augusta's urban design form evolved over time, changing as the Common lands were subdivided and granted out, and as the rectilinear plan became cross-cut by canals, railroads and highways.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1717.
Location. 33° 28.608′ N, 81° 57.956′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. Marker is on Reynolds Street near Burum Alley. Located in Augusta Commons. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonial Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); General James Edward Oglethorpe (within shouting distance of this marker); James Edward Oglethorpe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mayham Tower (about 400 feet away); Augusta Cotton Exchange (about 400 feet away); James Brown (Plaza) (about 500 feet away); A Memorial To Eli Whitney (about 500 feet away); The Great Fire of 1916 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 847 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 14, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.