Wadley: Railroad History and Folk Art

Wadley brings together its railroad past, a specific marker commemorating Civil War history, a historic and intact downtown, and the folk art of Willie and Mae Tarver. These offer several perspectives for planning a trip: You can focus on a single historical event or explore the town’s history through its name, railroad role, and art. If you’re looking for a hotel in Wadley, you can use these topics as a guide to choosing your focus.

The “The 20th Corps” Marker and the Events of 1864

The historic “The 20th Corps” marker is located at the intersection of Calhoun Street and Main Street in Wadley; it was re-erected in 2010. It commemorates the destruction of the railroad line through Bethany (Wadley) to the Ogeechee River by Sherman’s army on November 29, 1864. The following morning, Confederate defenders set fire to the railroad and wagon bridges east of Bethany.

This sequence distinguishes the destruction of the line from the later burning of the bridges. The locations also differ: the bridges were east of Bethany, while the railroad line was destroyed from Bethany to the Ogeechee River. The marker’s re-erection in 2010 is part of its history; the events it commemorates date to 1864.

The Name, the Railroad, and the Historic Downtown

Wadley was originally known as “Shakerag.” The town owes its current name to the president of the Central of Georgia Railway; the renaming coincided with Wadley being designated an official railroad stop. The name and the official stop therefore belong to the same historical period but serve different roles: the president is associated with the town’s current name, while the stop designation describes Wadley’s railroad role at the time.

Wadley also has a historic and intact downtown, as well as a large number of historic properties. This shifts the focus from the individual marker to the broader townscape: Along with a specific commemoration of 1864, the downtown and its properties are part of Wadley’s historic character.

Folk Art in Wadley

Wadley is home to the studio and gallery of folk artists Willie and Mae Tarver, who are recognized nationwide. This adds a cultural perspective to the historical themes. The artists’ recognition extends beyond Wadley, while their studio and gallery are located in the town. Folk art is therefore another way to explore Wadley’s history, alongside its railroad and Civil War themes, focusing on two named artists and their work.

The City Park in a Historical Inventory

A comprehensive plan from 2004 listed a ball field, two basketball courts, and two tennis courts for Wadley’s city park. It also recorded a swimming pool and various play equipment, as well as restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a picnic pavilion. The entries from that time thus include both sports and play facilities and picnic amenities. The date is important: the plan describes these facilities as they existed in 2004. If you’re planning a visit to the city park, please check its current condition in advance.

Discover more destinations: Gray

For the broader travel overview: Jefferson County.