Albany in Shackelford County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Georgia Battalion Memorial
Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
1. Georgia Battalion Memorial
Georgia was the only state in the Union to supply arms from its state arsenal when her sons came to Texas to join the fight for freedom. The Georgia Battalion of 5 companies of volunteers came as a group to Texas and joined the command of Col. James Fannin, Jr.
Fannin’s army of 500 men was surrounded in open country by a superior force of Mexican cavalry. Rather than attempt to fight their way out, abandoning the wounded, Fannin surrendered unconditionally to General José Urrea but understood that he and his men would be treated as prisoners of war and finally released. They gave up their arms and returned as prisoners to Goliad.
Santa Anna ordered them executed. On Palm Sunday, believing they were being repatriated, the prisoners were marched from the mission at Goliad to the open plain and were shot. Some had been hidden by concerned Mexican families and a few who might be useful to Mexico were spared. Among these was Dr. John Shackelford, for whom this county was named.
The state of Georgia sent a claim in 1855 to the state of Texas for $3000 to pay for the guns sent from the Georgia armory; the Texas Legislature agreed to pay the claim. Georgia then in 1857 waived the right to payment in favor of the building of a monument
this page online
Our town was named by one of its founders for his hometown of Albany, Georgia and our county for Dr. Shackelford who was spared at Goliad, and since we in Albany, Texas are among the benefactors of sacrifices made in behalf of Texas, we offer this memorial as partial payment of the debt we owe the state of Georgia. We shall remain with a great debt unpaid to Georgia for sons sent which we cannot send back. They are now part of the soil and soul of Texas.
Erected 1976 by City of Albany.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 27, 1836.
Location. 32° 43.511′ N, 99° 17.865′ W. Marker is in Albany, Texas, in Shackelford County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 180) and S. 1st Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in Bank Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Albany TX 76430, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Albany (a few steps from this marker); Ledbetter Salt Works CSA (within shouting distance of this marker); Ledbetter Picket House
Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
2. Inscription Tablets of the Georgia Battalion Memorial
Also see . . . Georgia Battalion. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on April 20, 2016.)
Additional commentary.
1. Memorial Flags
Flying over the memorial are the flags of the United States, the state of Texas, and the state of Georgia.
— Submitted April 20, 2016.
Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
3. Georgia Battalion Memorial near Downtown Albany
Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
4. Georgia Battalion Memorial in Bank Park
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 808 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 20, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
