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Laura García-Culler, Executive Vice President
912.651.2125, or Email

Historical Markers to Recognize Role of Christian Camps in Georgia History

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Gainesville, GA - April 28, 2008.  The Georgia Historical Society announces the dedication of two new historical markers this Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 4:00 P.M.  The markers, each entitled Mossy Creek and Rock Springs Campgrounds tell the story of two Christian campgrounds, linked by geography and family ties, which have continued to host generations of attendees at annual camp meetings for nearly two centuries. 

Although only about 35 camp meeting sites still exist in Georgia today, they were extremely common in the nineteenth century.  The meetings provided opportunities for both spiritual renewal and rare social interaction for isolated rural communities.  Camp meetings, which could last up to a week, played a significant role in cementing the Protestant ethic in rural southern culture. 
 
Today, White County has the largest concentration of extant camp-meeting sites in the state.  Both Mossy Creek and Rock Springs continue operating as active religious campgrounds today.  The historical markers are being dedicated in White County on Sunday, May 4, 2008 beginning at 4:00 P.M.  The dedication program starts at Mossy Creek Campground located on GA Hwy. 254 South, two miles north of US 129 near Cleveland, Georgia and will end at Rock Springs Campground with the unveiling there.  The marker text reads as follows: 

Mossy Creek Campground was established in 1833 and has continued as a site of yearly religious revival meetings since that time.  Rock Springs Campground was established in 1887 and is one of the few remaining camp-meeting sites organized by black congregations in Georgia.  Similar sites developed throughout the region during and after the Second Great Awakening of the early nineteenth century.  In addition to religious teaching, camp meetings provided social opportunities for isolated rural communities.  Brush arbors, or open-air shelters, like the ones at Mossy Creek and Rock Springs, are typical of southern camp-meeting sites. 

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Mossy Creek Tentholders, Rock Springs Campground Association, and White County Historical Society

The markers, which recognize people, places and events, tell the story of Georgia's past in a format that is accessible to residents and visitors alike and are an effective tool for economic development, encouraging local tourism and general state-wide interest.  GHS has administered Georgia's historical marker program since 1998, erecting nearly 150 markers statewide. 

For more information on the Georgia Historical Marker Program, please visit www.georgiahistory.com or call 912.651.2125, extension 40 and ask to speak with Charles Snyder.