Discovering Uncle Remus: Joel Chandler Harris' Legacy in Georgia

Joel Chandler Harris, Eatonton, Georgia

In 1881, journalist Joel Chandler Harris compiled a collection of African American folktales. He gathered these stories from enslaved people who would tell them on a Georgia plantation.

Most notable of fictional characters was Uncle Remus a wise elderly storyteller who narrates tricky animal stories to children.

A close-up of a wooden sculpture depicting an elderly man's face, showing detailed features and an expressive, sorrowful expression. In the background, a brick building and green lawn are visible under a cloudy sky. — Uncle Remus wood carving

A courtyard featuring wooden sculptures of a seated figure on a bench, a couple, and a large stone monument against a brick wall. — Uncle Remus wood carving

The stories were first published in 1881 as “Uncle Remus: His songs and his sayings”. They were written earlier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to preserve southern oral traditions.

Plaque honoring Joel Chandler Harris, also known as "Uncle Remus," detailing his birth date and significance as a beloved figure from Putnam County, Georgia. — Joel Chandler Harris information

A stone monument honoring Joel Chandler Harris, featuring a plaque with his name and years of life, alongside a wooden sculpture of a character reading. The background shows a brick building. — Joel Chandler Harris information

The outwitting Brer Rabbit is one of the most recognized of the animal characters.

Statue of Brer Rabbit in a suit, standing on a stone pedestal with an inscription about his origin and traits, set in front of a brick building and greenery. — Brer Rabbit

Some others are Brer Bear and Brer Coon:

A carved wooden statue of a beaver wearing a top hat stands on a tree stump, surrounded by grass and a potted plant. In the background, a vintage car is parked near a building. — Brer Coon wood carving in Eatonton Georgia

And the young boy listened attentively!

A wooden sculpture of a seated boy with a playful expression, situated in a grassy area beside a large stone monument. — Uncle Remus wood carved monument

And to this day the stories of Uncle Remus continue to be told. Or as Disney would say, “zip pee dee doo dah, zip pee dee day, my oh my what a wonderful day”.

Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Alice DeForest

Enjoying my retirement plan of gallivanting from one place to another. I’m inviting you to tag along to explore Coastal Georgia, South Carolina and beyond.

A Little bit about me

Six Word Saturday

One thought

Alice, I love this post. Eatonton, Putnam County, and Uncle Remus have a very special place in my heart. I have visited there many times during my life.