Richmond Temperance and Literary Society was founded in 1853 in the Fontcol community with the purpose of elevating the moral and cultural life of the area. It was within these hexagonal walls that society members publicly avowed abstinence from strong drink, debated public issues, and shared views of the literature of the age.

Inside, the center of the ceiling reveals a field of gold stars, one for each member. Should a member break his pledge of abstinence, his star was instead painted black. (Many stars were discovered with alternating coats of black and gold!).

Notice, at the apex of the roof, is the symbolic upturned chalice mounted on a Holy Bible. Both pieces were reputedly shot down by Sherman’s unruly troops during his Carolinas campaign at the end of the War Between the States.

Hwy 401, Old Wire Rd. & Sallie McNair Rd., Wagram
910-277-3149