This historical marker stands prominently on the sidewalk in front of the Madison-Morgan Cultural…read moreCenter, offering a concise but meaningful account of Madison's early role in women's education. The Cultural Center itself occupies a former school building, lending architectural resonance to the story told on the plaque. The marker bears identical text on both sides, ensuring visibility and accessibility to pedestrians approaching from either direction. It reads, "Religious denominations organized Georgia's first colleges for women. Madison flourished as an educational center following the 1850 incorporation of both the Georgia Female College (Baptist), initially chartered as Madison Collegiate Institute, and the Madison Female College (Methodist). "The Georgia Female College opened for its Spring Session with 148 pupils in this building, which became the President's House after John B. Walker funded a three-story brick building to the right (burned 1882). The Madison Female College was also located in town but was also lost to fire in 1864. "A diverse curriculum attracted young women from as far as Philadelphia. Citizens supported the institutions with funding and provision of room and board. Both schools thrived until the outbreak of the Civil War, when the facilities were used as temporary hospitals. Post-war, private education never regained its former stature." This marker was installed in 2011 by the City of Madison and the Madison Bicentennial Commission 1809-2009, part of a broader effort to commemorate the town's cultural and civic legacy. Visitors will find convenient parking at the Cultural Center, making it easy to pause and reflect on the educational ambitions that once defined this corner of Georgia. [Review 1272 of 2025 - 840 in Georgia - 24824 overall]

Located on the actual town square at the intersection of North Main Street (U.S. 278) and East…read moreWashington Street, this marker provides some context on the design and layout of the city of Madison. It has the same text on both sides. In three dense paragraphs, it reads, "Reserved for public use in the original 1809 town plan, the public square was also used to establish the early town limits, first drawn as a half-mile radius (1822) and then as a mile radius (1849). This method formed circular town boundaries; a common early town planning technique in Georgia. "The square has also been in continuous use as public property -- County Courthouses (1st c.1810-1844; 2nd 1845-1907), City Hall (1909-1916), Town Park (1917-1930), and U.S. Post Offices (1931). A year later, the City sold the property to the federal government but negotiated its use as a park until construction commenced on the post office. "Public accessories and amenities have long adored the square. The 1856 Braswell Monument anchors the west corner. On the prominent north corner stood the town "Market" (1851-c.1885), a Victorian gazebo (c.1901), and later the city "Police Shack" (c.1950-75). The 1908 Cooke Fountain was also sited here (1925-31) when street paving began." The marker was erected in 2011 by the City of Madison, Madison BiCentennial Commission 1809-2009. For visitors interested in urban planning, Southern civic history, or simply the quiet poetry of place, this marker is worth a stop. It's a reminder that even the most familiar town square can hold centuries of stories beneath their bricks and benches. There is free parking nearby. [Review 1302 of 2025 - 849 in Georgia - 24854 overall]

Hiding in plain sight, this marker stands on what was once the public square. The obelisk was…read moreunveiled in 1856 and is one of the oldest public memorials in the city and commemorates Benjamin Braswell, a local figure of significance. Benjamin Braswell (ca. 1749-1817) was an early settler, farmer, and philanthropist in Morgan County. He was part of a widespread family network that settled across upper Georgia after the American Revolution. Though little is known about his early life, records show he participated in the 1805 Georgia Land Lottery and was living in Franklin County at the time. By 1808, he had purchased land in the newly formed Morgan County, where he established a modest plantation focused on corn, wheat, cattle, and hogs as cotton had not yet taken hold in the region. At his death in 1817, Braswell owned more than a dozen enslaved individuals and was remembered as a quiet, generous neighbor. His most enduring contribution came through his will, which left his estate to Morgan County for the care and education of orphans. This act of generosity led to the creation of the Braswell Fund, a public trust that continues to operate today. His reconstructed grave, along with that of his wife Emily, is located in Braswell Park near the Morgan-Walton county line, protected by a wrought iron fence. Located in the heart of Madison's original 1809 town plan, the monument stands on what was once the public square. It predates many of the square's later features and has remained a constant presence through the town's evolution. [Review 1282 of 2025 - 844 in Georgia - 24834 overall]

This marker is not far from the town square and points out a time when Georgia was the frontier…read more That's hard to believe, but yes. Here we are at this historic home. The marker reads, "Establishment of Madison was part of a larger movement to settle the Georgia frontier and the westward population shift. The first division of town land created 48 original lots, each measuring 100 by 200 feet. Lots were sold on February 23, 1809, with the average lot sale being $155. Early dwellings and enterprises were modest, frame structures. Lot No. 6 sold for $111 to Reuben Rogers who built a dwelling. Known as an I-House or Piedmont Plain, this type of structure was particularly popular in the Upland South and often built by well established farmers and townsfolk. The Rogers House (c.1810) is significant as the last remaining residence from the period of the town's original founding on its original lot. "Opened for tourism in 1992 and later joined by the Rose Cottage (1893), the house serves as an excellent example of community cooperation: property ownership by Morgan County; leadership and funding for restoration, furnishings, and operation by the City; and management of the museum complex provided by the Morgan County Historical Society." This partnership reflects Madison's enduring commitment to honoring its past--not just through plaques and records, but through the careful stewardship of the very buildings that shaped its identity. The Rogers House stands not only as a historical artifact but as a symbol of civic pride, architectural heritage, and the power of local cooperation. The marker was erected in 2011 by the City of Madison. Unfortunately, I was here well past the time for tours and was unable to see the inside. [Review 1303 of 2025 - 850 in Georgia - 24855 overall]

Just off Main Street near the heart of downtown Madison, this historical marker quietly…read morecommemorates the nearby residence of a patriot who once called this area home. Though the marker still stands, it has clearly weathered the years--its surface mottled with moss and in need of some restorative care. The road here is often bustling with traffic, but visitors can find convenient parking in the lot adjacent to the Cultural Center, making it easier to stop and reflect on the legacy preserved in this modest sign It reads, "Joshua Hill, noted Georgian of the Civil War and Reconstruction, was born in 1812 in the Abbeville District, S.C. He studied law and come to Ga. to practice, settling in Madison after living in Monticello for a time. Having strong Whig and Unionist principles, he was drawn into the American or Know-Nothing party when the Whig party in Ga. collapsed and was elected to Congress in 1856, defeating Linton Stephens. An outspoken opponent of secession, Hill resigned his seat in 1861 rather than withdraw with the other members of the Ga. delegation. In 1863 he made an unsuccessful bid for the governorship. "After the war, Hill participated actively in the work of Reconstruction as a member of the constitutional convention of 1865 and as a U.S. Senator. Elected to the Senate in 1868, he qualified in 1871 and served until 1873. Although he entered Republic party and supported Radical Reconstruction, he never lost the respect and admiration of the people of Ga. "When his term ended in 1873, Hill retired from politics, coming out of retirement only to take part in the constitutional convention of 1877. He died in 1891 and is buried in Madison" This is officially designated as marker number 104-1, and it was placed here in 1963 by the Georgia Historical Commission to honor Hill's contributions and preserve his story for future generations. [Review 1299 of 2025 - 847 in Georgia - 24851 overall]

The Newton County Confederate statue in Covington Square is a war memorial erected in 1906 to honor…read moreConfederate soldiers and women who supported the Confederate cause. It remains in place amid ongoing legal and public debate over its removal. The monument features a uniformed Civil War soldier standing atop a square column. He holds the muzzle of his rifle at chest level with the stock resting by his right foot. The soldier has a beard and wears a field hat, with pouches strapped to his hips. The statue is notable for facing west, a detail said to reference General Sherman's approach from the west during his March to the Sea. On the west side, the inscription reads, "Their gallant and heroic deeds - like monumental shafts arise - from out the graveyard - of the past, - and mark the tombs - where valor lies." There is more on other sides. In recent years, the statue has been the subject of legal challenges and public debate. So while it is still standing in October 2025, I suspect that it might get disappeared quietly one night to avoid further controversy. Appreciate it or send your derision while you can. [Review 1262 of 2025 - 832 in Georgia - 24814 overall]

Great staff and facility, especially for such a small town. With just a little notice books,…read moreincluding audio books, from around the state can be requested giving a really broad resource of material to hand.

Mostly quiet & clean. Have things which allow young people access to the library. Wish you had more…read morebooks on CD. My vehicle is 11 years old. We have no intention to update it since I only drive it to town & back. I don't have electronics to listen to books otherwise. And, I wish you would publish your "Open" times on the website or on your telephone message please.

This marker is located in a cluster of historical markers in front of the Cultural Center. There is…read moreparking so that you can stop and read. Georgia includes a lot of text on their markers so you're not going to be able to read this just by slowing down. You'll need to park. One side is quite clean and the other is nearly illegible, caked with moss. It reads, "Empowered in 1894 to establish public schools, the City of Madison initiated construction of two graded schools, a contrast to one-room schoolhouses typical of rural areas. Nicholas Ittner of Atlanta built the brick graded school for white students - S. Main Street School, a Romanesque Revival design by Tinsley & Wilson of Lynchburg, Virginia. "Madison High School (1921, burned 1947) was added at the rear right facing Main followed by the Gymnasium (1938). With consolidation of city and county school systems in 1948, high school classes were relocated to the Madison A&M campus and, by 1957, the building was deemed surplus. "Abandonment and threatened demolition led the Morgan County Foundation, Inc., to organize and repurpose the building to serve as Regional Library Headquarters until 1975. With diligence and vision, the foundation restored the exterior as well as the magnificent auditorium and adapted the interior for a regional performing, visual, and decorative arts museum-opened in 1976 as the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center." The marker was erected in 2011 by the City of Madison, Madison BiCentennial Commission 1809-2009. [Review 1301 of 2025 - 848 in Georgia - 24853 overall]