Covington in Newton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Garrard’s Cavalry Raid
He marched late on the 21st. By noon on the 24th, he had returned to Decatur, bringing with him “200 prisoners and a fine lot of fresh horses and negroes.” In three days, he had marched over 90 miles and destroyed three wagon bridges and the railroad bridge over the Yellow River, and more than six miles of track. At Covington, he burned the depot, a newly-built army hospital center, 2,000 bales of cotton, and large quantities of quartermaster and commissary supplies. At Conyers, at Covington and near the Alcovy, trains were captured and burned. A detached brigade burned the depot at Social Circle and destroyed other facilities enroute.
Garrard’s raid cut off all communication between Atlanta and Augusta and destroyed any hope that the Army of Tennessee [CS] -- the hard-pressed defenders of Atlanta -- might receive supplies or reinforcements from the Eastern Confederacy.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 107-3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1822.
Location. 33° 36.18′ N, 83° 51.51′ W. Marker is in Covington, Georgia, in Newton County. Marker is on U.S. 278, 0 miles west of Elm Street NE, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in a picnic area in front of a Dairy Queen restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Covington GA 30015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stoneman Raid (a few steps from this marker); The March to the Sea (a few steps from this marker); Newton County Jail House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lucius Q. C. Lamar (approx. 0.4 miles away); Swanscombe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Newton County War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ramsey's Furniture (approx. half a mile away); To The Confederate Dead of Newton County (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,305 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.