Across the Ocmulgee Marker

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Hillsboro in Jasper County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Across the Ocmulgee

By David Seibert, November 7, 2009

1. Across the Ocmulgee Marker

Inscription. Late on Nov. 17, 1864, the 29th Missouri Mounted Infantry [US] seized the ferry at Planters’ Factory (Ocmulgee Mills) on the Ocmulgee River at Seven Islands (12 miles NW) to secure it for the crossing of the Right Wing of General Sherman’s army into Jasper County. Next day, the 1st Missouri Engineers laid two pontoon bridges at the site and the crossing began.

Smith’s division, 15th Corps, crossed first and halted two miles toward Hillsboro to wait for Kilpatrick’s cavalry division to cross and pass to the front. Blair’s 17th Corps crossed and marched via Monticello to avoid Hillsboro. Early on the 19th, Kilpatrick crossed and took the advance. Smith moved through Hillsboro and camped near the county line. Woods’ and Hazen’s divisions, 15th Corps, and the Artillery Brigade followed and camped in and around Hillsboro. Hq. Right Wing (Howard) and Hq. 15th Corps (Osterhaus) were established here for the night.

Heavy rains having made the roads extremely difficult, the crossing was not completed until after noon on the 20th when Corse’s division, 15th Corps, crossed, took up the bridges and, encumbered with wagon trains, a cattle herd and the pontoons, moved to Monticello and encamped. That day, Smith, Woods and Hazen moved to Clinton and Blair to Blountsville (11 miles SE on US 129). Corse reached Hillsboro on the 21st.

By David Seibert, November 7, 2009

2. Across the Ocmulgee Marker

Looking north on Georgia Highway 11 in Hillsboro; "Across the Ocmulgee" is the closer of the two markers on the left side of the road

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 079-10.)

Location. 33° 10.614′ N, 83° 38.352′ W. Marker is in Hillsboro, Georgia, in Jasper County. Marker is on Georgia Route 11 0.1 miles south of Plum Street, on the right when traveling south. Click for map. The marker is at the old school house in Hillsboro. Marker is in this post office area: Hillsboro GA 31038, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Birthplace of Benjamin Harvey Hill (here, next to this marker); Benjamin Harvey Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sunshine Church II (approx. 6.2 miles away); The Stoneman Raid (approx. 6.2 miles away); Hebron Baptist Church (approx. 6.9 miles away); a different marker also named The Stoneman Raid (approx. 6.9 miles away); Planter’s Academy (approx. 8.2 miles away); Jackson Springs (approx. 8.8 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Hillsboro.