Laura S. Walker

Laura Singleton Walker (February 28, 1861 – April 9, 1955) was an American author and conservationist. Laura S. Walker State Park, in Waycross, Georgia, is named in her honor.

For other people named Laura Walker, see Laura Walker (disambiguation).
Laura Singleton Walker
Born
Laura Singleton

(1861-02-28)February 28, 1861
Milledgeville, Georgia, US
DiedApril 9, 1955(1955-04-09) (aged 94)
Waycross, Georgia, US
Other namesLaura S. Walker
Occupation(s)Author and conservationist
Years active1890–1955
Known forLaura S. Walker State Park
Notable workHistory of Ware County, Georgia
SpouseDr. John Lott Walker

Biography

Early years

Laura Singleton was born February 28, 1861, in Milledgeville, Georgia, where she spent her early years.[1] When she married Dr. John Lott Walker, the couple moved to Waycross, Georgia, where they resided for the rest of their lives. It was during this period that Laura Walker became distinguished for her literary and civic works.

Laura S. Walker State Park

Work as a conservationist

As a teacher, writer, and public speaker, Walker championed the cause of conservation. She outlined a comprehensive program of forestry activity, including the establishment of forest parks, and sought to enhance school forestry programs.[2] She also undertook roadside beautification projects, and fought for forestry legislation. Walker erected markers and monuments along old trails and at historic sites so that local history would not be forgotten. Through these efforts, she developed friendships with many influential community leaders, presidents, governors and military leaders.[1] Over time, an effort was made to recognize Laura Walker for her work. At the urging of Georgia's Senators, President Franklin D Roosevelt issued a proclamation to establish the Laura S Walker National Park in her honor.[1] She was the only living person for whom a state or national park was named. In 1937, the federal government purchased distressed farmland for the park under a Federal land utilization program authorized by the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act.[2][3] Work on the park was undertaken by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1941, the national park was deeded over to Georgia, becoming the State's 13th state park.

Published works

Walker wrote three books about the land and history of her home. They are: History of Ware County, Georgia[4] First published in 1934, it relates Ware County history from Indian Wars; notable families; to the routing of US 1 through Waycross up until 1934. About "Old Okefenåok"[5] and Doctors of Primitive Times and Horse and Buggy Days of Ware County[6]

Death

Laura S. Walker died on April 9, 1955, in Waycross, Georgia (Ware County) at the age of 94.

References
  1. "Laura S. Walker: The Woman Behind the Park". Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  2. "Laura S. Walker State Park Established 1941" (PDF). Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  3. Thomas J. Straka; S. Knight Cox; Heather T. Irwin. "Current Use of Federal Land Utilization Projects Granted to State and Local Agencies" (PDF). Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Clemson University. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  4. Laura Singleton Walker (1990). History of Ware County, Georgia. Southern Historical Press. ISBN 978-0-89308-106-5.
  5. Laura Singleton Walker; Sara Singleton King (1947). About "Old Okefenåok".
  6. Laura Singleton Walker (1940). Doctors of Primitive Times and Horse and Buggy Days of Ware County.
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