This marker is along US-29 (Business) that parallels the railroad between Athens and Atlanta. The…read moremarker is on the south side of the road and while there isn't parking, there is room to pull over and leave your car for a moment to read the marker and admire the home. The home is private property so please respect that. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "The Russell House was built in 1912 by Richard Brevard Russell, Sr., (B. 1861 - D. 1938), and his wife, Ina Dillard, (B. 1868 - D. 1953), who were married June 24, 1891. Fifteen children were born of this marriage. Judge Russell was elected Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia in 1922, and served in this capacity until his death. Mrs. Russell was Georgia's Mother of the year in 1950. In 1954, the late Senator Richard B. Russell, Jr., the oldest son, became the owner of the house and made it his home until his death in 1971. Russell Memorial Park and Cemetery is located to the South of the house." The marker was erected in 1977 by the Winder Lions Club & Auxiliary. [Review 230 of 2025 - 799 in Georgia - 23794 overall]

Today I was driving through Athens, Georgia when I can across a strange but beautiful sight. It was…read morean old wooden railroad trestle that seemed to suddenly and abruptly stop in a field along Poplar Street. Being the curious soul that I am, I stopped to take a few pictures and marked my location on my GPS so I could use it to create a yelp page later if I found the trestle to be of any historic significance. My hunch was right, it is indeed significant. I discovered this trestle was once part of the CSX railroad system that connected Athens to Atlanta and the world. CSX offered the old decaying rail system to the city, but city officials declined and in the year 2000, CSX began demolition of the old trestle. However, the mayor underestimated just how important this piece of history was not only to Athens, but the music world as well. You see, the 1980's band R.E.M. used this particular trestle as the cover photo for their 1983 album titled Murmur. It was Rolling Stones "Album of the Year". The band was from Athens, GA and the album cover as well as the trestle itself had become iconic to the bands fans around the world. Protests over the demolition of the trestle broke out and forced the city to negotiate with CSX to halt demolition of the structure. Unfortunately much of the trestle had already been destroyed, but thankfully a major portion of it was saved. I hear the city has plans to use it as a tourist attraction, but in the meantime it stands untouched since demolition halted. Still, it is a gorgeous site that presents unique and rustic photo opportunities. You can still see the concrete base for the trestle that once went over Poplar Street. Use the entrance to the North Oconee River Greenway Trail just behind Mama's Boy restaurant (on the corner of Oak and Poplar) to view the remaining concrete pillars where the railroad continued across the Oconee River. R.E.M album cover (front) - http://sleevage.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/5561106c734c1008ba3262ce25a4d915.jpg R.E.M album cover (rear) - http://www.caratulas.com/caratulas/R/rem/rem-murmur-Trasera.jpg R.E.M full album - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8FbkyyuqG0 FINAL THOUGHTS I had a good feeling this structure had to be of some significance and I'm so glad I stopped to investigate. If you are fond of old bridges like I am, Athens has a treasure trove of 1800's covered bridges within a 30 minute drive of this location. It would make a great lazy Sunday afternoon drive! Be sure to bring your camera :-) Covered Bridges within 1/2 hour to 45 minute drive: Elder's Mill Watson Mill Bridge Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge Howard's Covered Bridge Enjoy!

Once upon a time there were hundreds of covered bridges in the state of Georgia. Now there are only…read moreabout 19 remaining and Elder's Mill ranks as one of my top favorites. Not because it is the longest (because it's not), or the oldest (because it's not) or the most well kept... but because the setting surrounding it gives it a little je ne sais quoi some of the others don't have. Here is a list of the remaining covered bridges in Georgia from favorite to least. * AUCHUMPKEE (1892) length: 96' My visual favorite! Most picturesque, especially in the fall. If I could own a covered bridge in GA, I'd pick this one! * EUHARLEE (1886) length: 137.6' My favorite overall Georgia bridge because of the amount of history that comes with your visit. It's more than just a bridge, it's an experience. Also on site is a museum, the ruins of an old mill, a General Store and several other historic buildings, cemeteries and informative monument signs as well as a brewery & pizza place! * HURRICANE SHOALS (2002) length: 127' The ONLY painted covered bridge in GEORGIA! PLUS there is a ton to see and do here! No other location compares for things to do including rubber duck races, blue grass festivals, war reenactments, mini-golf and a village of historic buildings. * ELDER'S MILL (1897) length: 100' See this review * SHILOH (1993) length: 42' Well maintained along a church prayer walking path. * PARRISH MILL (1880) length: 101' Unique in that it's a covered bridge, sawmill, grist, mill, and dam all in one! Located in George L Smith State Park. * HARALSON MILL (1997) length: 150' The only two lane covered bridge in Georgia. It's 36' wide and open to vehicular traffic. * COHEELEE CREEK (1883) length: 120' Entrance is gated off to all traffic but has one of the most attractive creeks! If the bridge and surrounding area were cleaned-up, this might easily be one of the most attractive covered bridges in the south. * WATSON MILL (1885) length: 228.6' Longest covered bridge body and the only one with its own state park. * RED OAK CREEK (1840's) length: 252.5' Longest covered bridge in GA with both approaches included. Featured in the 2012 movie Lawless w/Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy & Jessica Chastain. * STONE MOUNTAIN (1891) length: 151' Was once named Effie's Bridge after a nearby brothel before it was relocated here. Now called Washington W. King bridge. Looks similar to Poole's Mill. GREAT LOCATION! Grist Mill nearby. * ROSWELL MILL (2005) length: 161' Pedestrian traffic only in a beautiful historic setting w/ gorgeous old mill and dam ruins nearby. * POOLES MILL (1901) length: 94.6' The open lattice windows are one of my favorite features. Spend a day here with the kids playing in the water or at the playground. * CONCORD (1883) length: 131.7' Still in use but looks worn out * HOWARD'S MILL (1905) length: 168' Could use some tlc * WEHADKEE CREEK (1890) length: 60' Originally over 100' in length, but was reduced after its first relocation to Calloway Gardens. This is its second relocation (2022) * BLIND SUZIE (1915) length: 34' Smallest and the only one on inaccessible private land. It can, however, be viewed from the road. * STOVALL (1895) length: 36.8' It's a real shame locals keep it covered in graffiti * CROMER'S MILL (1906) length: 132' Looks and feels forgotten

I love that this bridge is open to traffic! It is rated for enough weight that my Sprinter van…read morecould cross and the bridge has enough clearance that I could fit in. The Elder Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1897 by Nathaniel Richardson. It is a Town lattice design with the planks connected with wooden pegs. It is one of the few covered bridges in Georgia continuing to carry traffic without underlying steel beams. It is possible to get to the side of the bridge and get some great pictures. I love this bridge! (Note that some of the approach road is only hard packed dirt. I was okay with it but your vehicle may have issues.) [Review 18057 overall - 532 in Georgia - 1578 of 2022.]

This marker is located a stone's throw from the county courthouse and gives some context as to the…read moreorigin of the county and how it came to be. It has the same text on both sides. It reads, "This County, created by Act of the Legislature December 5, 1811, is named for James Madison, Virginia Democrat, fourth President of the United States, 1809-'17. The site for Danielsville was given by Gen. Allen Daniel of Revolutionary fame. In this town was born Dr. Crawford W. Long who first used ether in a surgical operation (1842). Among the first County Officers were: Sheriff Nathan Williford, Clerk of Superior Court James Long, Clerk of Inferior Court Samuel Williford, Tax Receiver Britton Sanders Jr., Tax Collector James Ware Jr., Coroner William Hodge and Surveyor Edward Ware Jr." In the early 19th century, the region was deeply influenced by the rise of cotton as a dominant crop. The fertile Piedmont soil and proximity to trade routes made Madison County part of Georgia's expanding cotton belt, with small yeoman farms gradually giving way to larger plantations. This agricultural boom helped shape the county's economy and social structure well into the Civil War era. Though railroads didn't run directly through the county, nearby lines helped connect its farms to broader markets. Danielsville remained a modest civic center, and the county's early schools and churches played key roles in community life, especially in African American neighborhoods during and after Reconstruction. The boll weevil infestation in the early 20th century forced a shift from cotton to poultry, dairy, and timber, leading to more diversified and cooperative farming. Madison County's quiet civic contributions and preservation efforts reflect a legacy of resilience, modesty, and deep-rooted community pride. This is marker number 097-1 and it was erected in 1954 by the Georgia Historical Commission. [Review 1374 of 2025 - 858 in Georgia - 24926 overall]

The Herty Field historical marker in Athens offers a compact but compelling glimpse into the early…read moredays of collegiate football and the legacy of Dr. Charles Herty. Rather than focusing on the field itself, the marker excels at contextualizing the cultural and academic forces that shaped athletics in the Deep South. The marker reads, "This marker overlooks the site of the first intercollegiate football game played in the state of Georgia and one of the first to be played in the deep south. On January 30, 1892 Georgia defeated Mercer College 50 to 0 on the stubbly grounds that served as an athletic field. Several hundred spectators watched from the sidelines, some of them spilling out on the playing ground. Students living in New College close by the field had a splendid view of the action from their dormitory windows. "Georgia played all its home games on this field until 1911 when a new field was constructed off Lumpkin Street. The old grounds were thereafter used for informal intramural games and as a drill field for the R.O.T.C. trainees. "The original field, later converted into a parking lot, was named in honor of Dr. Charles H. Herty, professor of chemistry at the University and sports enthusiast. He introduced football to the college boys and was unofficial coach and trainer of the early teams. Herty later earned fame as a scientist in the development of the turpentine and pine pulpwood industry." This is marker number 029-17. It was erected in 1991 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. [Review 1380 of 2025 - 862 in Georgia - 24932 overall]

Athens is where the famous University of Georgia is located (Go Dawgs!) and the city has a long…read morehistory of education. This marker points out one of those earlier educators whose work led to the origin of the university. It reads, "Dr. Moses Waddel, educator and minister, was born in 1770 in North Carolina. At fourteen he began teaching pupils near his home. Moving to Georgia in 1786, he taught in the Greensboro area until 1787, opening another school at Bethany, Greene County, in 1788. While at Bethany Waddel decided to enter the ministry. He studied at Hampden-Sydney College and graduated in less than nine months in 1791, thereafter combining the careers of teacher and minister. "Establishing his most famous academy at Willington, South Carolina, in 1804, Waddel continued his work there until 1819 when he became President of Franklin College, now the University of Georgia. One of the most prominent ante-bellum leaders of that institution, he served until 1829. Unwilling to divorce education from religion, Waddel stimulated the religious life of the campus. In 1820 he organized and was pastor of the First Presbyterian congregation in Athens, which became the First Presbyterian Church. The present church building was erected in 1855. Waddel died in 1840 at his son's home in Athens. His pupils during a lifetime of teaching included John C. Calhoun, William H. Crawford, George R. Gilmer, Augustus B. Longstreet, and George McDuffie." In 1819, Waddel published Memoirs of the Life of Miss Caroline Elizabeth Smelt, a sentimental religious biography that became a transatlantic bestseller, reprinted in both the U.S. and Britain. Less widely acknowledged is that the 1820 census recorded sixteen enslaved individuals in his household, including nine children under fourteen, reflecting the complex and often contradictory legacy of Southern educators in the antebellum period. It is marker number 029-11 and it was erected in 1963 by the Georgia Historical Commission. [Review 1376 of 2025 - 860 in Georgia - 24928 overall]

The Taylor-Grady House is a beautifully constructed colonial home in Athens and a perfect venue for…read morea ceremony or wedding. I attended the House for a wedding which was hosted outside on the lawn just by the gardens. Following the ceremony, we were able to go inside the house and on the porch for a cocktail hour and proceeded to our tables under tents in the back. There is a nice brick area that serves as a dance floor and plenty of space for tables and food.

Taylor-Grady house is one of the 4 house museums in Athens. If you're new to town or just visiting…read moreit's a wonderful stop on your way to Sanford Stadium.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable visit to the historic city of Athens, beginning with a walk through…read moreits charming downtown and continuing onto the quiet, tree-lined University of Georgia campus. Since it was a weekend with no classes in session or Bulldogs game underway, parking was easy and the coffee shops and restaurants were pleasantly uncrowded. Athens was founded in the early 1800s at Cedar Shoals, where an old Cherokee trail crossed the Oconee River. Incorporated in 1806 just five years after the University of Georgia opened nearby, the city was named after the classical Greek center of learning. It quickly grew into Georgia's cultural and intellectual heart, with a thriving antebellum economy built on cotton, brickmaking, and textiles. Though the Civil War brought hardship, Athens was spared destruction during Sherman's march and rebounded quickly during Reconstruction. The City Hall building was completed in 1904 and is a blend of Second Empire and Neoclassical styles. Built from Lexington granite and buff brick, it originally housed an auditorium, armory, and offices for city leaders and the Chamber of Commerce. The building has seen several renovations, including a major restoration of its clock tower in 2006-2007. Today, it remains a working seat of government, home to the mayor's office and a second-floor chamber for public meetings. [Review 1444 of 2025 - 866 in Georgia - 24996 overall]