Colonial Dames place granite marker at historic Alexandria

The Fort James Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century met recently in McDuffie County to place a granite marker at Alexandria, the home of Colonel Thomas Carr of Revolutionary War fame. Built between 1803 and 1806,

Alexandria is the oldest documented brick house in Georgia and is the keystone house of the four remaining houses that comprise the Thomas Carr National Historic District, the first designated rural National Historic District in Georgia. It is the home of William Dunn Wansley, great nephew of Thomas Carr, who has completely and beautifully restored it.

Mrs. Virginia White of Thomson, chapter president, welcomed the assembled group, which included Virginia Linglebach of Bonaire, Georgia, 2nd vice-president of the Georgia Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Mrs. White introduced Alexandria's owner and his family, and Mr. Wansley gave a brief history of the house. Ms. Carolyn Miller of Elberton, chapter 2nd vice-president and chairman of the Marking and Preservation of Historic Sites Committee, unveiled the three-sided granite monument engraved with details of the history of Alexandria and the life of Colonel Thomas Carr. Refreshments were served on the lawn of the historic house.

Prior to the marking, the Fort James Chapter held a short business meeting. Mrs. White welcomed three new members whose papers have been approved by the National organization: Betty Slaton of Washington, Linda Chestnut of Washington, and Lillie Crowe of Greensboro. She reported on the State Conference held in Macon in September and distributed guidelines for the Georgia Society's scholarship opportunities which members of the Fort James Chapter were asked to distribute to high schools in their counties.

Carolyn Faz of Lexington presented a notebook which she compiled detailing the Fort James Chapter's history and accomplishments, including the marking and preservation of historic sites. This is a work in progress, and the group was asked to continue to contribute information.

A special thank-you was extended to Richard H. Griggs, President, and Caroline J. Miller, Vice-President, of the Lexington Blue Granite Company and the Service Granite Company of Elberton for the donation and placement of the monument. Mrs. White also acknowledged the research done by the chapter historian Dr. Sophia Bamford and Nita Edwards Riley, both from Tignall.