Image credit: David Seibert
Year Erected: 1957
Marker Text: This building was erected in 1831 in NW Lumpkin to house the "Stewart County Academy," the first academy in the county. In 1842, it became the "Lumpkin Independent Academy" for boys only, owned by local stockholders. In 1841, the first Sunday School, interdenominational, was organized in the building. Purchased in 1885 by E. M. Sheram, the building was moved to this corner and used as a carriage factory, general store, fire station, and gasoline station. The second floor has been used continuously since 1885 as a lodge room by Cross Chapter No. 173 Masons, organized as Cross Lodge No. 12, Nov. 8, 1838.
Tips for Finding This Marker: At the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (County Route 145) and Broad Street (Georgia Route 27), on the right when traveling north on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Lumpkin.