Volunteers with M.H. Mitchell, Inc., a non-profit foundation for the support of Southern history, recently installed new aluminum sign posts for three Georgia historical markers in Walker County and repositioned them for better visibility, access and safety.

“This upgrade,” said foundation director David Mitchell, “insures the information provided on these markers will be here for decades to come and makes it easier for the public to enjoy, appreciate and learn about the Georgia history these markers commemorate. Our goal is to upgrade as many posts as we can to preserve our state’s fascinating history.”

The three markers, all in or near Villanow, Ga., were originally installed in 1953, and their old tin-and-concrete posts were deteriorating, causing the signs to lean precariously and look unsightly. Two markers are now in the Villanow community: one at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 136 and Ga. Hwy. 201/East Armuchee Road, and the other at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 136 and West Armuchee Road, just west of Villanow.

All three markers commemorate various historical aspects of the Villanow community, Snake Creek Gap and the area’s significance during the spring of 1864 when Confederat Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s Army of Tennessee and Atlanta was valiantly but futilely trying to block Union forces under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman from advancing on Resaca and ultimately Atlanta.

M.H. Mitchell, Inc. has an agreement with the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which manages the historical marker program for the state. The state provides the new posts, and M.H. Mitchell, Inc. provides the labor, equipment and supplies for the upgrades, plus any necessary repositioning.

For more information about M.H. Mitchell, Inc., visit mhmitchell.org/index.html.