Elrod Memorial Park
City of Ashburn residents are familiar with the scenic and peaceful Elrod Park located on the 100 block of Washington Avenue.
The park is named after a local war hero, Henry T. Elrod, who gave his life on December 23, 1941, while defending his country on Wake Island in World War II. Elrod entered military service in Ashburn and became a U.S. Marine aviator. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Congress authorized the Medal of Honor in 1862 and there have been 3,468 recipients; only 239 have been U.S. Marines, eight of them from Georgia and one from Turner County. Also, the main road in the U.S. Marine Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., is named Elrod Boulevard and the U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate; USS Elrod (FFG-55) is named in Elrods’ honor.
Located on the right wall of Elrod Park is a memorial wall for the local war heroes who gave their life defending our nation. Elrod Park is a lush park in the middle of downtown, the perfect place to reflect on those who have served and protected our country.
Solar Panels
Helping pump every water tower is a field of solar panels. Ashburn is a small and innovative city. The solar panels manage to power all of the water towers in Ashburn, allowing for more time and energy to be put straight back into the community.
Interested in seeing all of the solar panels? Contact City Hall for a tour. The City of Ashburn continues to strive towards innovation and forward thinking.
Tabernacle and Campground
The Wesleyan-Methodist tabernacle and campground is located in the heart of Ashburn. The tabernacle was recently renovated it's original glory along with the kitchen house located only a few feet away. Next up for renovation is the bunkhouse. Each structure was carefully and thoughtfully restored.
Now the tabernacle hosts the local Farmer's Market and is also available to rent for revivals, gospels, plays, and weddings. The tabernacle was built with astound acoustics that allow sound to fill the space, despite having no walls. If you are interested in renting, contact City Hall.
Sights to See . . .
Mary Henderson Cemetery
Located just outside city limits is the oldest cemetery in Turner County. A sign posted outside of the entrance says:
"The Mary Henderson Cemetery is thought to be the oldest in Turner County. Second generation descendents of the 3 original pioneer families that inhabit the Ashburn area are buried here. Some of these people fought for the Confederacy as well as the Union. "
Largest Peanut Monument
Located along the interstate next to Carrols Sausage and Country Store the World’s Largest Peanut Monument stands. The conservation piece was erected in February 1975 and designed by A. R. Smith Jr.
The monument was dedicated to Nora Lawrence Smith a member of the Georgia Journalism Hall of Fame, co-publisher of the Wiregrass Farmer and was a dedicated member of her community.
The peanut itself stands as a symbol of agricultural prosperity. It also represents the history of South Georgia as the peanut was, and still is, a significant crop in Turner County.
Celebrities have even took the time to admire the World's Largest Peanut Monument. Right before Mila Kunis announced her pregnancy with Ashton Kutcher's baby, they stopped to take a photo and #PonderThePeanut.