Signers Monument

In the heart of Augusta, Georgia, stands a proud testament to the state's rich history and the indomitable spirit of its people: the Signers Monument. This granite obelisk, soaring fifty feet into the sky, commemorates Georgia's three signatories of the Declaration of Independence—George Walton, Lyman Hall, and Button Gwinnett. These men, esteemed as Founding Fathers of the United States, played pivotal roles in the nation's fight for freedom and independence.

The Monument's Design and Location

Dedicated on July 4, 1848, the Signers Monument is located at the intersection of Greene and Monument Streets, in front of what is today the Augusta Municipal Center. At the time of its dedication, this location was home to the City Hall. The monument itself is a granite obelisk, twelve feet square at the base, tapering elegantly as it rises to its full height. Designed by Robert French, the monument was originally encircled by a substantial iron railing, adding to its grandeur and solemnity.

On the southern face of the obelisk, a marble slab is engraved in alto-relievo with the coat of arms of Georgia and the names of the three honored signers: Gwinnett, Hall, and Walton. This engraving serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions these men made to the cause of American independence.

The Reburial of Walton and Hall

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Signers Monument is the story of the reburial of George Walton and Lyman Hall. The initial plan for the monument included the burial of the remains of all three signers beneath its foundation stones. A committee was appointed to oversee the exhumation and reburial process.

In the case of Lyman Hall, the task was relatively straightforward. His tomb on his plantation in Burke County was well marked, and his remains were easily identified. George Walton's remains, however, proved somewhat more challenging to locate. His family's burial ground was at Rosney plantation, about nine miles from Augusta. Although Walton's grave was unmarked, the committee was able to identify his skeleton based on damage to the right femur, a result of a musket shot he had suffered during the British Army's capture of Savannah in late 1778.

Button Gwinnett's remains, on the other hand, could not be located. Gwinnett died in Savannah in 1777 following a duel with a political rival. While it was generally believed that he was buried in the old cemetery on Savannah's South Broad Street, now known as Colonial Park Cemetery, no gravestone bearing his name could be found. As a result, only the remains of Walton and Hall were re-interred beneath the monument during a ceremony in 1848.

The Mystery of Gwinnett's Remains

The mystery surrounding Button Gwinnett's burial place persisted for more than a century after the monument's dedication. In the late 1950s, a retired school principal and amateur historian convinced the Georgia Historical Commission to excavate a grave site in Colonial Park Cemetery that he suspected might be Gwinnett's. The dig unearthed a badly-preserved skeleton with a damaged left femur, raising hopes that the remains might indeed be those of Gwinnett.

The femur was sent to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. for analysis. However, the findings were disappointing—the skeleton was too short to be Gwinnett's, the femur was most likely a woman's, and the damage was determined to be post-mortem. Despite this, a fierce political battle ensued. A ballistics expert reviewed the case and suggested that the femur's damage was caused by a pistol ball. Ultimately, the city's historic commission issued a report declaring that the remains were Gwinnett's beyond a reasonable doubt. In 1964, the skeleton was re-interred at Colonial Park Cemetery, and a memorial was erected on the site in Gwinnett's honor. Yet, the mystery remains unresolved, with the exact location of Gwinnett's burial still unknown.

A Symbol of Georgia's Heritage

The dedication ceremony for the Signers Monument was a grand affair, held on Independence Day in 1848. Judge William T. Gould delivered the oration, and the Masonic ceremonies were conducted by the Honorable William C. Dawson, Grand Master of the Georgia lodge. This event marked the culmination of efforts to honor Georgia's contributions to the founding of the United States.

Today, the Signers Monument stands as a symbol of Georgia's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its Founding Fathers. Visitors to Augusta can reflect on the sacrifices made by Walton, Hall, and Gwinnett as they gaze upon this towering granite obelisk. The monument not only commemorates the past but also inspires future generations to appreciate the values of freedom, independence, and civic duty that these men so dearly cherished.

In conclusion, the Signers Monument is more than just a historic landmark; it is a testament to the courage and determination of Georgia's signatories of the Declaration of Independence. As you explore Augusta, take a moment to visit this monument and pay tribute to the men who helped shape the nation we know today.