The Genesis Marker found in Fisher Park represents the geographic center of Guilford County... Ground Zero...the epicenter... "as determined for the establishment of Greensborough as the county seat of Guilford County, 1808." Originally, the county seat was located in Martinville, slightly northwest, near Guilford Battleground. It was moved once surveyors determined the actual geographic center. However, this specific spot was deemed too swampy and low. In the end, the courthouse was built less than a mile southwest, on higher ground, near the intersection of Market and Elm Streets. If you are interested, the Preservation Greensboro website has interesting information on Fisher Park, Greensboro's original civic open space, the area on which this Genesis Marker is found. As stated on the marker, the original village of Greensborough was comprised of 42 acres purchased by the commissioners from Scotch-Irish settler, Ralph Gorrell, for $98 in 1808.
We encourage every citizen of Guilford County to visit this marker, at least once. This would make a nice picnic outing for fourth grade students since that is the North Carolina history year. If you are from one of the other 1,300+ city daily photo sites around the world, does your city, county, community have anything to mark the geographic center?
As a regular viewer (reader) of this blog, I have waited a long time for this photo. Since it marks the founding of our city, it deserved to be near the beginning of the blog, IMHO. Still, I am glad it is finally up for all to see and appreciate. Thank you, GDP, for your photo that wasn't easy to get and for your clear explanation of our origins.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Monday, May 24, 2010 at 06:28 PM
The Genesis Marker--that is very dramatic. Love the name.
It just so happens I answered your question in a post
http://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/03/journey-to-center-of-world.html
Jerusalem is known as the center of the world, and there is a spot in Jerusalem known as its navel!
Posted by: Dina | Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 09:52 AM
I have been to a beautiful wedding that took place at Fisher Park. Had no idea that it's the geographic center of Guilford County and did not even notice the genesis monument while I was there. Thanks for making me aware of it!
Posted by: Katja Brown | Thursday, September 08, 2011 at 06:01 AM