Spencer Stewart Marsh moved to the village of Chattooga (later La Fayette) about 1835. Shortly after settling in
Northwest Georgia, Mr. Marsh established a mercantile business. Sometime in 1848, Mr. Marsh moved this business into his recently-constructed two-story brick building on the northeast corner of the town square. For many years, this building housed a variety of businesses and organizations and was an important part of town’s history. It stood strong as the Battle of La Fayette (June 1864) raged around it. The old store watched as one of Andrews’ Raiders was arrested and taken to the Walker County jail. Sadly, on February 22, 2018, the north wall of the building fell into Villanow Street. Bricks and timbers salvaged from the ruins are a part of this structure (some additional bricks from the Fortune Hosiery Mill).
Connie Bomar Forester
2024.08.21