National Register Listing

Lamar Building

a.k.a. Southern Finance Building

753 Broad St., Augusta, GA
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture
The first gold rush in America happened in Georgia in 1828, when gold was discovered in the northwestern part of the state. This discovery led to the creation of the Dahlonega Mint, which produced gold coins until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Georgia random facts
Richmond County, Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1777. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee, the area saw European settlement during the 18th century. The county was named after Charles Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, who was a supporter of the American Revolution.

In the early years, Richmond County thrived as a farming community, with rice and indigo being major crops. The Augusta Canal, completed in 1845, played a crucial role in the county's development by facilitating transportation and powering mills. It also served as a defensive line during the Civil War.

During the Civil War, Richmond County played a key role due to its strategic location near the Georgia–South Carolina border and the important railroads. Several battles took place in the area, including the Battle of Augusta, which resulted in the occupation of the city by Union forces. After the war, the county experienced both economic recovery and racial tensions.

Throughout the 20th century, Richmond County saw significant growth and development. The establishment of Fort Gordon in 1941 brought military presence and stimulated the local economy. Augusta, the county seat, became known for its annual Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.

Today, Richmond County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. It is home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including the Augusta National Golf Club, the Augusta Museum of History, and the Morris Museum of Art. With a population of over 200,000, Richmond County remains a vibrant and historically significant part of Georgia's history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richmond County, Georgia.

  • 1733 - Richmond County is established as a part of the Georgia Colony
  • 1750s - Fort Augusta is constructed on the Savannah River to protect settlers from Native American attacks
  • 1780 - British forces occupy Augusta during the American Revolutionary War
  • 1781 - Local militia under the command of Elijah Clarke successfully recaptures Augusta from the British
  • 1798 - The City of Augusta is incorporated
  • 1828 - The Georgia Railroad reaches Augusta, boosting its economy and population
  • 1845 - The Augusta Canal is completed, providing a reliable water source and improving transportation
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and Augusta becomes an important supply and manufacturing center for the Confederate Army
  • 1865 - Augusta falls under Union control towards the end of the Civil War
  • 1870 - The Augusta Chronicle, the city's oldest newspaper, is founded
  • 1891 - The Medical College of Georgia is established in Augusta
  • 1914 - The Augusta National Golf Club is founded, eventually hosting the Masters Tournament
  • 1950s - The city experiences significant growth and becomes a major industrial and transportation hub
  • 2006 - Richmond County consolidates with the City of Augusta to form a consolidated government