Category Archives: Meridian GA

Hip-Roof Cottages, Meridian

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Hidden on the edge of the road by thick woods today, these utilitarian hip-roof/pyramidal cottages are some of the last surviving examples of a vernacular style that was once widespread among the African-American communities of the coastal counties, as well as many areas of the state.

Because of their isolation, there is not a good way to photograph them other than showing them in their present state. They will eventually succumb to the ravages of time, but I think they are very important examples.

American Foursquare House, Meridian

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An old white two-story house surrounded by trees and overgrown grass in a rural setting.

This modified American Foursquare house is a landmark of Meridian, though I’ve been unable to locate its history.

Union Brothers & Sisters Mission Hall, Circa 1900, Meridian

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The Hudson community is largely forgotten today, but in the 1870s and 1880s some of the first commercial shrimpers in McIntosh County, mostly local freedmen, made it a thriving African-American enclave. This venerable lodge structure is among its last tangible landmarks and due to its location and association with the historic Gullah-Geechee freedmen of the area is one of the most important Black landmarks remaining on the coast.

A mission of the Union Brothers & Sisters was established here in 1887. The present structure, thought to date to circa 1900, was built to replace the original, which was lost to fire. It also served as a schoolhouse for a time. The last owners were the Hudson Home Society, a fraternal group who assisted local African-Americans with burial insurance.

Hall and Parlor Cottage, Meridian

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An old, abandoned house partially hidden by overgrown vegetation and trees, with boarded windows and a worn roof.

This is a great example of the vernacular housing once dominant in the Gullah-Geechee communities along the coast.

Gable Front Cottage, Meridian

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Old wooden house with a rusty metal roof surrounded by overgrown vegetation and trees.

Vernacular housing like this were once abundant along the coast. Most are being lost to ongoing development.

Sam’s Corner Store, Meridian

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Weathered white shed with a rusty metal roof surrounded by trees and foliage, featuring a Budweiser sign that reads 'King of Beers.'

I’ve never been able to locate a history for this neighborhood grocery, though I’m sure it was important to this isolated coastal community.

Gable Front Cottage, Meridian

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This house always seems to be on the verge of being demolished but the last time I passed through, it was still there.

Sapelo Island Ferry Station, Meridian

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A small, single-story building with a pink exterior and a wooden shingled section, featuring two doors and benches outside. A payphone is located beside the building, set against a clear blue sky with minimal clouds.

This is the state-run ferry station at the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. The island is only accessible by the ferry or personal watercraft. Private tours of the island must be pre-arranged.

A red house near a dock with a white boat moored, surrounded by tall marsh grass under a blue sky.