Maxeys unveiled its historical marker on May 18.
The Maxeys Historic Interest Group partnered with the Northeast Regional Commission to have the city added to the National Register of Historic Places. Maxeys was denied at first, but after another attempt, the city was granted “historic status” with the National Trust in 2022.
The sign states: “Maxeys Historic District has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022 by the United States Department of the Interior.”
Mayor Warren Gilson thanked the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission’s Lydia Joffray, who helped compile all of the information necessary to apply.
“She was really a godsend to us,” he said. “She got us started back up, knew all the ins and outs to get it done.”
Maxeys was officially granted historic status with the National Trust in 2022. The city was then granted a historical marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
The foundation grants cities with historical markers, “committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history.”
“The only thing we have invested in it is a stamp, an envelope and two bags of concrete,” Gilson said. “The rest of it was all paid for by them, including the shipping from Marietta, Ohio.”
Mark Beatty, the director of planning and government services for the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, spoke during the ceremony.
“We are super happy to be able to help Maxeys and get you guys your National Register Historic District nomination,” he said. “This is great, super exciting for you guys.”
Maxeys was established in 1843, thanks to the railroad line that ran from Union Point to Athens, built by the Georgia Railroad Company in 1841.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Gilson said. “We hope it brings some more success to the city.”