Patriots and history lovers gathered on the lawn of Meadow Garden, the home of George Walton, one of Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence and an early political leader in the state to celebrate Independence Day.
Celebrants watched on as the Declaration of Independence was read as it would have been in the town square 249 years ago.
Guests mingled on the lawn, covered their ears for the firing of 18th century cannon and received history lessons from reenactors dressed in period garb, who despite the July heat, lectured on topics such as the role of women in 18th century American patriot society.
The Garden City Strummers performed with their mountain dulcimers, an 18th century stringed instrument played on the lap, under the shade of one of Meadow Gardens many trees. In between songs, the group discussed how music was an integral part of life in an era of a revolution that largely got its spark in taverns.
Kids were treated to a puppet show about the founding of the nation.
The interior of the historic home was open as as well and guests had the opportunity to walk through the period rooms of the historic house where the Waltons lived more than 230 years ago and were able to explore George Walton’s life from his beginnings as an orphan in Virginia where he apprenticed as a carpenter through his travels to Georgia where he became a successful lawyer and a leading voice in the Revolutionary cause.
Walton, at 26, had been one of the youngest signers of the Declaration of Independence, representing Georgia on July 4, 1776. Walton not only served in the Continental Congress, but he was also elected twice as governor of Georgia and was Georgia’s first governor under the new Constitution. He also served as a U. S. senator, chief justice of Georgia and a circuit court judge.
Walton is buried under the Signers Monument along with signer Lyman Hall, the location of the body of Button Gwinnett, Georgia’s third signer is unknown.
Meadow Garden, located at 1320 Independence Lane, operates as a museum and is available for tours year-round.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
