Gray in Jones County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The March to the Sea

Photographed By David Seibert, April 1, 2011

1. The March to the Sea Marker

Inscription. On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive campaign for Savannah — the March to the Sea. He divided his army [US] into two wings. The Left Wing (14th and 20th Corps), Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, USA, moved east from Atlanta in two columns, to feint at Augusta but to turn southeast and converge on Milledgeville. The 14th Corps, accompanied by General Sherman, moved via Covington and Shady Dale, the 20th Corps via Social Circle, Madison and Eatonton.

The Right Wing (15th and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, USA, marched south via McDonough and Jackson, crossed Ocmulgee River at Seven Island (27 miles NW) and moved toward Gordon (15 miles SE) where it would be in communication with the Left Wing, at Milledgeville, to received orders for the next move.

The 15th Corps (Osterhaus), preceded by Kilpatrick’s cavalry division, marched via Clinton (2 miles SW), from which place Kilpatrick feinted on Macon, skirmishing heavily with Wheeler’s cavalry [CS] as far as East Macon. The 17th Corps (Blair) moved via Blountsville (8 miles NE) toward Gordon without incident.

On Nov. 22nd, Walcutt’s brigade, 15th Corps, on the extreme right, was attacked near Griswoldville (10 miles S) by a division of Georgia Militia

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[CS] under Brig. Gen. P. J. Phillips. After three hours of battle, Phillips was forced to retire.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 084-17.)

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, and the Sherman’s March to the Sea series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1984.

Location. 33° 0.569′ N, 83° 32.033′ W. Marker is in Gray, Georgia, in Jones County. Marker is at the intersection of West Clinton Street (U.S. 129) and James Street (Georgia Route 18), on the right when traveling east on West Clinton Street. The marker stands in front of the old Gray Railroad Depot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gray GA 31032, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. James C. Roberts Municipal Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Jones County (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Madison Gray (approx. 0.2 miles away); W. E. Knox Civic Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gen. Iverson’s Birthplace (approx. 1.4 miles away); LaFayette (approx. 1.6 miles away); Macarthy-Pope House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Old Clinton (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gray.

Photographed By David Seibert, April 1, 2011

2. The March to the Sea Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, April 1, 2011

3. The March to the Sea Marker

The old "Gray Station" depot is in the background.

Photographed By David Seibert, April 1, 2011

4. The March to the Sea Marker

Looking north from the depot at the intersection of multiple roads with West Clinton Road (US Highway 129) in the foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 833 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.