Category Archives: Statues and Monuments

The Not-So “Haunted” Pillar of Augusta

07 Monday Apr 2014

Posted by in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Statues and Monuments, Urban Legends

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Haunted Pillar Augusta

The historic marker for the “Haunted” Pillar in Augusta, Georgia.

The Not-So “Haunted” Pillar of Augusta

Urban legend claims that an unknown preacher was denied the right to sermonize at the location. He demanded that the city pay to build him a church in order for him to speak to the masses. When the city refused to give into his demands, the preacher cursed the location. Some versions claim he cursed the pillar specifically. According to local legend, the preacher vowed that anyone who attempted to move the pillar would be killed (or struck down). This reportedly occurred in 1829.

Built in 1830, the “Haunted” Pillar once stood at the Market House on Broad Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia. The Market House stood strong until February 7, 1878 when a tornado leveled the market leaving only the one pillar. Additional stories claim that the pillar was the sight of multiple lightning strikes and an alarming number of automobile accidents.

The pillar has been moved several times. In addition, it may have undergone significant cosmetic enhancement (i.e., been rebuilt). It begs the question: Is it haunted?

Doubtful. The Internet is ripe with tales of people hearing footsteps around the pillar. People turn to the “curse” and claim the preacher is responsible. However, the story is murky. The supposed “curse” was done one year before the pillar was built. In addition, the lone surviving pillar has been moved a number of times. And it has been rebuilt and restored numerous more times.

Currently, the pillar sits at a precarious intersection, which may be the cause of all of the car wrecks. And, despite the contrary, lightning does strike the same place twice. Don’t fall it. It’s a good story, but not a haunted location.

The Actual Pillar

The Actual Pillar

 

Book Review: Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery

26 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Books, Cemeteries, Famous Locations, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Photography, Statues and Monuments

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Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery book

Cover Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery by Ren and Helen Davis

Book Review: Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide

By Ren and Helen Davis

Every book about cemeteries should be this stunning. (Actually, every cemetery in America should strive to be this tranquil.) Visually appealing, this book matches the actual cemetery. It is well organized into four distinct sections. Each section begins with an illustrated map denoting the gravesites discussed and important structures. A brief overview provides the reader with enough information to pique her interest. The authors pack as many stories into the book as possible. The final chapter details the importance of the cemetery and its role in the Atlanta community. And quite a role it has. History lives on while visitors stroll through this beautiful cemetery. Preservation is paramount. Through annual events and memberships, funds are reinvested into maintenance and education. Oakland Cemetery is more than the final resting place to Atlanta’s population. It exemplifies the garden cemetery plan prevalent in the nineteenth century. The Introduction by Timothy J. Crimmins details the popularity of rural garden cemeteries and their importance in American history. The book does justice to the numerous mausoleums and statuary located throughout the grounds. Stories of great wealth, and sorrow, reside within this cemetery.

Nuts and Bolts: This book contains everything that makes a good book great. It is well-researched. Crisp photographs are accompanied with historical images. The writing style is casual and appealing. The Appendices are clearly structured and relevant to the content. Although not a proper bibliography, the Notes section does provide enough information for the reader to continue on. Finally, the Index is thorough.

Conclusion: Visit Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery. It is a subtle reminder of our history and challenges us to honor the dead. Before you leave, stop in the adorable gift shop (the former bell tower) and purchase this book.

Pere Antoine

16 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Churches, Famous People, New Orleans, Statues and Monuments

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St. Anthony's Garden dedicated in the memory of Pere Antoine.

St. Anthony’s Garden dedicated in the memory of Pere Antoine.

Pere Antoine

Antonio de Sedella (1748-1829) led the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, commonly known as the St. Louis Cathedral, in New Orleans during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Affectionately called “Pere Antoine,” his ghost is said to haunt the side alleyway beside the church. Further, he was a confidant of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Three days after his death, Pere Antoine was buried beneath the church he loved so much.

Tucked behind the St. Louis Cathedral is the secluded garden St. Anthony’s Garden dedicated in honor of Pere Antoine. Within the walls stands a statue of Jesus with outstretched arms. At night, the lights illuminate the statue and it appears larger than life against the back wall of the church. It is simply stunning.

Hurricane Katrina knocked the thumbs off of the statue. It is reported that the Diocese will fix the statue once New Orleans is fully healed from the Category 5 hurricane’s destruction.

Observations: We visited the area during the day and on several evenings. It is difficult to bypass the splendor when walking the French Quarter. Orbs of various sizes were captured in numerous photographs. The Ghost Radar picked up many words. Although none of the group witnessed any abnormal anomalies beyond the orbs, the picturesque landscape sparks the imagination. I would love to return and complete a full investigation.

Orbs around St. Anthony's Garden.

Orbs around St. Anthony’s Garden.

 

 

3 Ladies

05 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Cemeteries, Civil War, Marietta, Statues and Monuments

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New statue unveiled.

New statue unveiled.

A new statue was unveiled at the Marietta City & Confederate Cemetery representing the Marietta Ladies’ Memorial Association members who single-handedly gathered and re-interred the dead Confederate soldiers. They represent Jane Glover, Mary Green, and the third statue represents all of the other women who worked to make this cemetery possible.

Read the article from the Marietta Daily Journal at this link: http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/23631531/article-Marietta-plans-big-weekend-for-150th-anniversary-of-cemetery.