The Beacon Community was the center of Decatur’s African American community until its demolition by the Urban Renewal programs of the mid-1960s. Bounded by N. McDonough Street on the east, W. Trinity Place on the north, Water Street on the west and . . . — — Map (db m29260) HM
[First panel]
Illegally sentenced in a DeKalb County court to four months of hard labor on a false traffic charge, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put systemic injustice on trial in the court of public opinion.
[Second panel]
How Dr. . . . — — Map (db m197667) HM
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was sentenced here, at the site of the former DeKalb
Building, on October 25, 1960, to four months of hard labor for protesting segregation
with the Atlanta Student Movement at a Rich's Department Store dining room. . . . — — Map (db m173323) HM
In July, 1864, Maj. Gen W.T. Sherman's army (US) closed in on Atlanta. Finding its fortifications "too strong to assault and too extensive to invest," he sought to force its fall by sending Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman, with three brigades (2112 men and . . . — — Map (db m8723) HM
July 22, 1864. Coincident with Hardee's night march to attack Federal forces in E. Atlanta, Wheeler's cavalry (CS) was sent to seize McPherson's wagon trains parked N. of the Decatur public square, guarded by Sprague's 16th A.C. brigade & three . . . — — Map (db m8887) HM
The Georgia Railway and Power Company, predecessor of Georgia Power, built this trolley waiting station in 1923. The waiting station served Druid Hills residential development when the streetcar line on Ponce de Leon Avenue was extended from . . . — — Map (db m29074) HM
The Federal 23d A.C., Army of the Ohio, reached this vicinity via Old Shallow Ford Rd. (Clairmont) & N. Decatur Rd., evening of July 19, 1864. This was the N.E. sector of Sherman’s approach to Atlanta. Cox’s (3d) div. bivouacked E. of Pea Vine Cr. . . . — — Map (db m9922) HM
The Hardman Family Cemetery is one of the oldest landmarks in DeKalb County and among the last vestiges of its early settlement. Both white settlers and enslaved African Americans were buried here. Nearby ran the Shallowford Indian Trail, a trade . . . — — Map (db m142533) HM
This ancient trail led west to the Indian village of Standing Peachtree. It joined the Shallowford Trail near this spot linking it with trade routes to Stone Mountain. Later becoming a road it was among the first authorized when DeKalb County was . . . — — Map (db m9923) HM
The oldest known publicly owned burial ground in metro Atlanta, the Decatur Cemetery is believed to predate the city’s 1823 incorporation. The first written record is an 1832 act of legislature providing “Commissioners for the Decatur Burial . . . — — Map (db m9685) HM
This cemetery was the scene of an engagement between 8th Confederate Cavalry Col. J. S. Prather commanding and a large force of Federal troops. The latter were repulsed and 225 prisoners taken. — — Map (db m29168) HM
Author, poet, historian and Confederate heroine - Mary Ann Harris Gay (1828-1918) lived in this house from 1850 to 1914. She is best known for her Life in Dixie During the War which describes the Union Siege of Atlanta and the tribulations . . . — — Map (db m9427) HM
Ante-bellum residence of Benjamin F. Swanton; once the property of Ammi Williams, a DeKalb County pioneer. Built prior to 1842.
In 1864 the Swanton family was in residence here when the Federal Army of the Tennessee occupied Decatur. This force . . . — — Map (db m9364) HM
About 1826, Dr. Chapmon Powell erected a log cabin beside the Shallowford Trail near this site. His Indian patients called it the “Medicine House.” His cabin had been relocated onto this site by 1863 when Powell’s son-in-law, Washington Jackson . . . — — Map (db m9361) HM
July 19, 1864. Dodge's 16th A.C., having camped on N. Fork Peachtree Cr., moved S. on old Shallowford Rd. to this point where it joined Schofield's 23d, which had marched S.E. from Goodwin's Crossing (Brookhaven), along roads now designated . . . — — Map (db m9362) HM
July 19, 1864. Logan's troops, in "light fighting order" left camp at Henderson's mill (0.8 mile N.E.), at 5 A.M. & marched to Decatur. They were joined at this point by Blair's corps which had camped at Blake's Mill, 2 miles west.
Both corps, . . . — — Map (db m8761) HM
McPherson's Army of the Tenn. (US), consisting of the 15th, 16th, & 17th corps, having crossed the river at Roswell, made a wide swing S.E. to cut the Georgia R.R. at & E. of Decatur.
Logan's 15th A.C. was the extreme left; posted at Browning . . . — — Map (db m8886) HM
120 Avery Street
was placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
July 25, 1985
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m197673) HM
J. W. Buchanan’s residence, which stood on the Old Hightower Trail, where Peachtree Road crosses, was a landmark of Federal troop movements in July, 1864.
July 17, Garrard’s cav., operating on the left of McPherson’s Army of the Tenn., . . . — — Map (db m40476) HM
The Hightower (English version of “Etowah”) Indian trail passed here in its route from East Georgia to the mountains of North Georgia. To the northwest, it crossed a ford on the Chattahoochee River at Roswell. This trade and travel path . . . — — Map (db m50372) HM
July 17, 1864. Dodge's 16th A.C., together with Logan's 15th & Blair's 17th (US), having left Roswell by Shallow Ford Rd. enroute to Decatur, diverged from the column at the road - fork 2.5 mi. N.W. & moved towards Old Cross Keys. Logan & Blair came . . . — — Map (db m53100) HM
July 17, 1864. At this road-fork (near old Providence Church), the 16th A.C. of the Army of the Tenn. (US), enroute from Roswell to Decatur, moved by the west fork towards Nancy's Creek where it camped near old Cross Keys.
The 15th A.C., . . . — — Map (db m9414) HM
Lynching in America
Following the Civil War, violent resistance to rights for African
Americans, a need for cheap labor, and an ideology of white supremacy
led to fatal violence against Black women, men, and children.
Thousands of Black . . . — — Map (db m242055) HM
Birthplace of Rebecca Ann Latimer (1835-1930), daughter of Chas. and Eleanor (Swift) Latimer, pioneer settles at this point on the Decatur-Covington road. Married in 1853 to Dr. William H. Felton, later Member of Congress and a trustee of the . . . — — Map (db m33831) HM
On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive campaign for Savannah – the March to the Sea. He divided his army (US) into two wings. The Right Wing . . . — — Map (db m9936) HM
On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the. North, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive campaign for Savannah -- the March to the Sea. He divided his army [USA] into two wings. The Right wing . . . — — Map (db m33818) HM
Dr. Chapmon Powell, pioneer Dekalb County physician, built this log cabin on the shallow ford Indian Trail near the town of Decatur in 1826. He often gave medical aid to Cherokee Indians still roaming the country between the shallow ford on the . . . — — Map (db m208568) HM
This late Federal Style home has seven rooms on two levels and comfortably housed the Allens, a family of four. It was originally located near the town of Kingston, a railroad boom town in the northwest part of the state. The upper level and the . . . — — Map (db m208334) HM
"Covered bridges" or "lattice bridges" were
common throughout the Eastern U.S, during the
nineteenth century. This bridge formerly
spanned the North Fork of the Oconee River in
the city of Athens, Ga.. connecting College
Avenue and Hobson . . . — — Map (db m11054) HM
Around 1850, Charles Milton Davis moved with his extended family from Aiken, South Carolina to create the new town of Dickey in the southwest part of Georgia near the present city of Albany.
Family lore states that the lavish manor home was . . . — — Map (db m208654) HM
Around 1826, when John Quincy Adams was president, Dr. Chapmon Powell built this one room log cabin near today's intersection of Clairmont Avenue and North Decatur Road. A prominent physician, he was one of the earliest residents to settle in the . . . — — Map (db m208525) HM
July 18, 1864. Garrard’s cav. div. & Lightburn’s 15th A.C. (US) brigade moved from Browning’s Court House (Tucker), to this vicinity & destroyed 2 miles of Ga. R.R. track, several culverts, & the water tank.
July 19. Long’s & Miller’s brigades, . . . — — Map (db m9933) HM
Hightower (Etowah) Trail, one of the best marked Indian Trails in Georgia, was a much used crossover between two of the noted Trading Paths radiating from Augusta. Recognized as a former boundary between Cherokee and Creek lands, a part of it . . . — — Map (db m33433) HM
From 1875 until 1915 children in the Klondike Community in southern DeKalb County attended Powell Academy on S. Goddard Rd. The one room school was capable of housing 25-30 students. It got its name from George Washington Powell, pioneer resident . . . — — Map (db m208680) HM
The Powell Academy was built around 1875, when Ulysses S. Grant was president. It was one of about 100 small community schools located in DeKalb County and served students in the Klondike Community until they reached Grade 6. The money for these . . . — — Map (db m208677) HM
On June 3, 1996, as part of the Centennial Olympic Games Celebration, a massive bronze sculpture of five thoroughbred horses running through the collapsed Berlin Wall was unveiled on this spot. The piece was 18 feet wide by 12 feet high and weighted . . . — — Map (db m207802) HM
Tablet #1
There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done - the honor of the integrity of principle.
Robert E. Lee
Tablet #2
So, my son, when in the conflict of life - the cloud and the darkness come, stand . . . — — Map (db m87443) WM
On July 18 & 19, 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign, Union Brigadier General Kenner Garrard's cavalry division raided Stone Mountain. They skirmished with the Confederate cavalry brigade of Colonel George G. Dibrell, destroyed two miles of railroad . . . — — Map (db m113346) HM
Tablet #1
The richer, the wiser, the more powerful a man is, the greater is the obligation upon him to employ his gifts in the lessening of that sum of human misery.
John Randolph
Tablet #2
Those who labor in the earth . . . — — Map (db m87449) WM
On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive campaign for Savannah -- the March to the Sea. He divided his army [US] into two wings. The Right Wing . . . — — Map (db m206697) HM
Redmon Thornton and his wife Sarah Alford Thornton built this house in Greene County, Georgia after they moved to the area from Virginia. The house dates to around 1792, when George Washington was president. They had four children together and a . . . — — Map (db m208583) HM
Here sleep, known but to God, approximately one hundred and fifty Confederate soldiers, most of whom died from disease, or wounds in the Confederate hospitals that were located near this spot. Some were killed in a skirmish with Federal raiders near . . . — — Map (db m33798) HM
At or near this crossroads stood the J.P. office of Browning’s Militia District No. 572; cited in reports of Federal military operations July, 1864, as Browning’s Court House. July 18. Logan’s 15th A.C., enroute from Roswell to Decatur, detoured . . . — — Map (db m9925) HM
July 19, 1864. The 15th & 17th, two of three corps, McPherson’s Army of the Tenn., forming the left wing of Sherman’s forces advancing on Atlanta, came this way on the last day of their march from Roswell to Decatur.
The other corps, Dodge’s . . . — — Map (db m50393) HM
The principal object of the wide swing of Federal forces S.E. from Roswell, where they crossed the Chattahoochee, was to cut the Ga. R.R. at & near Stone Mountain, thereby isolating Atlanta from the east.
Pursuant to plan, Logan’s 15th A.C. was . . . — — Map (db m9924) HM
July 18, 1864. Logan’s 15th A.C., Army of the Tennessee [US], having detoured from the old Shallow Ford Rd. at the Rainey plantation (4 mi. W.) moved to this point where it joined Garrard’s cav. which, via McAfee's bridge (Chattahoochee River) & . . . — — Map (db m33804) HM
July 18, 1864. Logan’s troops, having detoured from Shallow Fd. Rd. to Browning’s Court House (TUCKER), to co-operate with Garrard’s cav, in the destruction of the Georgia R.R. at Stone Mtn., remained in this vicinity while Lightburn’s brigade was . . . — — Map (db m29106) HM
This house, built in 1861, was the home of Joseph Glidden, who in 1873 invented barbed wire fencing. With Phineas W. Vaughn he perfected a machine to manufacture it. DeKalb was the home of Isaac L. Ellwood and Jacob Haish, also manufacturers of . . . — — Map (db m230891) HM
These trees were planted by the citizens of DeKalb County in honor of our country's bicentennial. This horizons project affirms our faith and pride in the United States and our hope and love for it. May future citizens enjoy this area and remember . . . — — Map (db m203047) HM
DeKalb's roots date to 1912 when a group of farmers and bankers formed the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association to improve area farming. In 1917, an offshoot was formed, the DeKalb County Agricultural Association, with a focus on quality seed. . . . — — Map (db m230905) HM
Success in developing and commercializing hybrid seed corn in the 1930s and early 1940s prompted DeKalb Agricultural Association in 1944 to see if the principles of hybridization could be applied to the breeding of poultry. Association President Tom . . . — — Map (db m230904) HM
Known for his inventive genius, eccentric personality, and generous philanthropy, Jacob Haish is perhaps most remembered as an inventor of barbed wire. Born in Germany, he immigrated to this country in 1832 and came to DeKalb County in the 1840s.
. . . — — Map (db m230903) HM
On May 22, 1895, Governor John Peter Altgeld signed an act establishing the Northern Illinois State Normal School. The first building, "The Castle on the Hill", was constructed here on what was once the site of the DeKalb County Fairgrounds. . . . — — Map (db m213756) HM
The DeKalb® brand winged ear logo is perhaps one of the most widely-recognized agricultural trademarks in the world. Over the years it has undergone many design enhancements from the original concept. But the same iconic image of a flying ear of . . . — — Map (db m230901) HM
In the early 20th century William George Eckhardt (1879-1959) was a pioneer in DeKalb County's leading role in agricultural innovation. Eckhardt, an agronomy professor at the University of Illinois, was an expert in the blossoming field of soil . . . — — Map (db m198012) HM
Hybrid corn results from the cross of two inbred parents, each of which is developed by selfing (in-breeding) a corn line for 6-8 generations until it is mostly homozygous.
Corn plants are diploid with one set of chromosomes coming from the . . . — — Map (db m230907) HM
Work commenced in September of 1914 on the “First Seedling Mile” in Malta, Illinois. This construction was key to the Lincoln Highway, which runs from Times Square in New York City, to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.
Planned in 1913 by the . . . — — Map (db m230825) HM
Illinois, in the heart of the nation, has always been a
crossroads state. The country's great transportation arteries –
the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the railroads,
the interstate highway system – all intersect through . . . — — Map (db m230864) HM
Malta is proud to be the home to the “First Seedling Mile”
on the Lincoln Highway. This first strip of paved road was
made to use as a “show and tell” demonstration of the
advantages of travel on concrete verses mud, in an effort
to obtain . . . — — Map (db m230865) HM
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental, hard surface roadway in the United States. The Highway traversed 3,384 miles and twelve states - beginning in New York City and ending in San Francisco. Planned in 1913 by the Lincoln Highway . . . — — Map (db m230868) HM
The Lincoln Highway’s first Seedling Mile of paved highway was built in Malta. This strategically chosen location demonstrated the need for better roads, showing the stark contrast between travel on concrete versus mud. From concept to completion, . . . — — Map (db m233236) HM
In 1913, Carl Fisher proposed the “Coast to Coast Rock Highway”. Eager to put America on wheels, executives from automobile and tire manufacturers quickly joined in the effort. At the inaugural meeting on July 1, 1913, the newly elected President, . . . — — Map (db m230819) HM
It was 1775, one year before the American Revolution that an Indian boy was born near the banks of the Kankakee River. A boy who would grow up to befriend the new nation's people. His Ottawa parents named him “Shab-eh-nay” (Shabbona), which means . . . — — Map (db m78301) HM
In the early 1800's Shabbona was a principal chief of the Ottowa, Potawatomi, and Chippewa group of tribes which banded together to form "The Three Fires." Shabbona camped briefly in a large grove one-half mile south of here. He fought with the . . . — — Map (db m31672) HM
In 1912, an enterprising and forward-thinking group of farmers, businessmen, and bankers joined together to form the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association. This grassroots coalition became the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, the first Farm Bureau . . . — — Map (db m230909) HM
DeKalb Swine Breeders grew from the shared vision of two companies, Lubbock Swine Breeders Inc. (LSB) of Lubbock, Texas, and DeKalb AgResearch, Inc. (DeKalb) of DeKalb, Illinois, that synergistically combined to transform agriculture. LSB began . . . — — Map (db m230908) HM
The Eckhart Carriage Company was established in 1874
in Auburn, Indiana. It was the direct ancestor of the Auburn Automobile Company as both were owned by the Eckhart family in the early days.
This is the last remaining building of the . . . — — Map (db m73297) HM
Alan Leamy's everlasting gift to the automotive world is a legacy of
stunningly boautiful body styles that are the epitome of classic car design.
He was only 25 years old when he created the distinctive classic look
of the Cord L-29, America's . . . — — Map (db m185853) HM
Auburn. The Grand Trinity of classic automobiles—Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg—each played prominent roles in racing history. Established in 1900 by the Eckhart family, early models successfully competed in the popular speed and
reliability . . . — — Map (db m185849) HM
Auburn Automobile Company (1900-1937) Art Deco Style Administration building, built 1929-1930. Housed departments of Cord Corporation, manufacturer of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles. Became Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum, 1974; listed in . . . — — Map (db m53934) HM
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Facility
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This industrial complex is a rare surviving example of an independent
specialty automobile company that manufactured . . . — — Map (db m185856) HM
Augie was a tireless practical engineer who could turn mechanical
concepts into reality. The Duesenberg racecars upon which he labored
in the 1920s and 30s set top-speed and durability records, won the
French Grand Prix at Le Mans and were . . . — — Map (db m185846) HM
The name Duesenberg is forever linked with early motorsports. In 1913, German immigrant brothers Fred and Augie Duesenberg founded the company that bore their name in St. Paul, Minn., to produce the best high-performance custom engines and . . . — — Map (db m185841) HM
In 1924, E. L. Cord was tochuited to manage the struggling
Auburn Automobile Company with the provision that he could secure
controlling interest if he were successful. He quickly assembled young.
talented engineers and designers that . . . — — Map (db m185855) HM
Frank Eckhart was the oldest son of Charles Eckhart, founder of the
Eckhart Carriage Company. In 1902, Frank was inspired to build a
horseless carriage after being frustrated in his attempt to purchase one.
The result was the first Auburn . . . — — Map (db m185848) HM
Inventor, engineer, and automotive pioneer Fred Duesenberg was responsible
for many technological innovations in the early twentieth century. As a
German immigrant, he shaped the automotive industry on both the race
track and public roads, . . . — — Map (db m185847) HM
Gordon Buehrig was only 25 when he became the chief body designer
for Duesenberg, huilders of the most prestigious motor car in the
United StatCs. There he rendered some of the most stunning classic car
body designs ever penned. With his . . . — — Map (db m185850) HM
From 1927 through 1936, Herb Snow was responsible for many of the
engineering advancements of the Auburn Automobile Company He was
intensely involved in both the Cord L-29 and 810//812 front-wheel-drive
projects. Snow is credited with the . . . — — Map (db m185857) HM
"No salesman can 'talk' quality into a car that has not been built into it,"
said E. L. Cord. Thus, the men empioyed by the Auburn Automobile Company
and Duesenberg inc., were charged with the demanding task of meeting
Cord's high expectations . . . — — Map (db m185843) HM
Before the advent of the interstate highway system and modern hotel chains, travelers often had to sleep along the side of the road in their cars. Beginning just prior to 1920, travel courts and tourist camps began to appear and offered a warm, . . . — — Map (db m185860) HM
Robert Wiley started his career at the Auburn Automobile Company in 1920
as a salesman. Prior to that, he served in the Philippines as a lieutenant
in the army. Upon his discharge, he obtained a job in the Auburn sales
department. When the . . . — — Map (db m185840) HM
On this site stood the log home of Wesley Park, co-founder with John Howe of the City of Auburn in 1836.
Park's cabin was an important social and government
center, serving as a tavern, resting place, and courthouse for early settlers and . . . — — Map (db m60238) HM
Humorist, author, and critic Will Cuppy
was born here. He graduated from the
University of Chicago, where he
published his first book in 1910. He
moved to New York City ca. 1914 and
become a book reviewer at the New York
Herald . . . — — Map (db m238481) HM
The story of women workers at the Auburn Automobile Company is a
narrative of social change in Auburn and DeKalb County. Employment
at the auto company permitted women to become co-breadwinners in
their families during lean times. Although . . . — — Map (db m185844) HM
In 1903, Walter and Eclecta Thompson constructed the original Opera House
building. The Opera House Grand Opening took place on November 26, 1903,
with a performance by a military band with a full orchestra performing "In
Sunny Tennessee."
. . . — — Map (db m193322) HM
Side A In 1916, Henry Dills, Carl Heinzerling,and George Schulthess established the company, which became one of the country's leading manufacturers of artificial fishing lures. Crafted by a largely female workforce, the high quality lures . . . — — Map (db m107129) HM
Stage performer and silent film actor John Bowersox grew up along Cowen Street. He performed in amateur plays in Huntington and in 1904 joined a professional touring
company. Adopting the stage name Bowers, he debuted on Broadway in 1912 and . . . — — Map (db m238482) HM
Who settled here in Keyser Township,
DeKalb County, state of Indiana in the year 1864
with purchase of three hundred seventy acres
of virgin land and from which in 1882
they donated the tract on which the nearby
Christian Union Church is . . . — — Map (db m159852) HM
