Tifton in Tift County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park

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Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011

1. Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park Marker

Inscription. On May 4, 1865, Jefferson Davis arrived in Washington, Georgia (178 miles NE of the Park), where he performed his last duties as President of the Confederate States of America. Shortly thereafter, with a small staff and escort, he departed enroute to the trans-Mississippi Department where, supported by those Confederate forces not yet surrendered, he hoped to negotiate a just peace.

After a difficult journey via Sandersville, Dublin and Abbeville, he camped a mile north or Irwinville (18 miles NE) in the present Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park, unaware that, in Dublin, the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry [US] had found his trail and begun a pursuit.

At dawn on May 10th, his camp was surrounded by men of the 1st Wisconsin and 4th Michigan cavalry regiments [US] and he became a “state prisoner,” his hopes for a new nation, in which each state would exercise without interference its cherished “Constitutional rights” forever dead.

To visit the Park, take State 125 from Tifton to its junction with State 32, thence to Irwinville. To continue North after the visit, turn right in Irwinville on State 32 to its junction with US 41 at Sycamore. Museum. Open 9 to 6. Picnic grounds.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 137-2.)

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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 May 1826.

Location. 31° 27.779′ N, 83° 30.325′ W. Marker is in Tifton, Georgia, in Tift County. Marker is at the intersection of Love Avenue (U.S. 41) and West 12th Street (Georgia Route 125), on the right when traveling north on Love Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tifton GA 31794, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Susan Lane Tillman Moore (approx. half a mile away); Tift County (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Olympic Torch Paused at this Site (approx. 0.7 miles away); Purple Heart Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); "Major" Jack L. Woolard (approx. ¾ mile away); John Larkin Wright, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (approx. ¾ mile away); William W. Outerbridge, Rear Admiral, USN (approx. ¾ mile away); A.V. "Bubba" Akin (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tifton.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011

2. Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011

3. Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park Marker

Looking north at the intersection of US Highway 41 (Love Street) and West 12th Street (Georgia Highway 125).

Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011

4. Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park Marker

Looking east on Georgia Highway 125 toward the park.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 832 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.