Macon, GA, November 10, 2025 – The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) dedicated a new historical marker in Macon on November 10, 2025, recognizing Peyton Anderson, a philanthropist, journalist, and owner of the Macon Telegraph and News.
Unveiled in partnership with the Peyton Anderson Foundation, the new marker commemorates Anderson’s lifelong dedication to civic leadership, public service, and the advancement of Middle Georgia through journalism and philanthropy. The event was held at the Cotton Avenue Plaza (608 Mulberry Street) and brought together local leaders, members of the Anderson family, and representatives of the Macon community.
“Peyton Anderson embodied the civic spirit that continues to shape Macon today,” said Jessica Walden, President & CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. “As a leading businessman and former chair of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, he understood that business leadership and community service go hand in hand. His legacy reminds us that prosperity means little unless it lifts an entire community, and Macon continues to rise because of the generosity and vision he set in motion.”
During the ceremony, speakers reflected on Anderson’s enduring influence as both a journalist and community leader.
“Peyton Anderson was one of the most extraordinary Georgians of the 20th century,” said W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “He was deeply committed to improving his hometown and used his considerable skills as a leader and journalist to make middle Georgia a better place. The impact he had on the development of Macon is unrivaled and mirrors that which the legendary Robert W. Woodruff had on Atlanta. The people of Macon are the beneficiaries of his vision and leadership.”
“At his core, Peyton Anderson was a good doer — someone who used his success to serve others and strengthen the place he loved most,” said Karen Lambert, President and CEO of the Peyton Anderson Foundation. “His legacy of success, as a newspaper publisher to one of Macon's staunchest advocates and most generous philanthropists, still guides our work at the Foundation today. Through every grant and every partnership, we strive to carry forward his example of a steadfast commitment to Macon's progress."
A native of Macon, Anderson began his career as a reporter before becoming publisher of the Macon Telegraph and News, where he championed integrity and fairness in journalism. Following his passing in 1988, Anderson’s estate established the Peyton Anderson Foundation, which continues improving the quality of life for the people of Macon and Central Georgia through philanthropy, education, and public service.
Speakers included Dr. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society; The Honorable Lester Miller, Mayor of the City of Macon; Karen Lambert, President, CEO, and Trustee of the Peyton Anderson Foundation; and Dr. R. Reid Hanson, Grandson of Peyton Anderson and Trustee of the Peyton Anderson Foundation.
The marker text reads:
Peyton Anderson (1907–1988)
Peyton Tooke Anderson, Jr., was born in Macon on April 9, 1907. He attended the US Naval Academy and served in the US Navy during World War II. Stationed in the southwest Pacific as the Public Relations Officer for the Seventh Fleet, Anderson documented the experiences of his fellow servicemen and sent their stories to their hometown radio stations. Anderson rose to the rank of Commander and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. After the war, he returned to work at his family’s newspaper, the Macon Telegraph and News, becoming its sole owner in 1951, always prioritizing journalistic integrity. Anderson was an innovative leader, noted for his community service and forward-thinking vision. At his death in 1988, he established the Peyton Anderson Foundation to support, strengthen, and advance Central Georgia.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and the Peyton Anderson Foundation.
For additional details about the Georgia Historical Society, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.
###
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM
The Georgia Historical Marker Program is an important part of the Georgia Historical Society’s (GHS) statewide educational mission. Through a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia, GHS is responsible for erecting new historical markers and maintaining more than 2,000 markers installed by the State prior to the program’s privatization in 1998. Online mapping tools allow users to explore themed marker trails and design custom driving routes. Visit georgiahistory.com for more ways to use Georgia’s historical markers and experience history where it happened.