Blitchton in Bryan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Jencks Bridge

Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 21, 2008

1. Jencks Bridge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the 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 which converged on Milledgeville, crossed the Ogeechee River near Louisville, then marched toward Savannah by two routes: the 14th Corps (Davis) on the old road near the Savannah River (Ga 24), the 20th Corps (Williams) via Springfield. Both corps approached Savannah via Monteith. Gen. Sherman accompanied the Left Wing as far as Sandersville.

The Right Wing (15 and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard, USA, marched south via Gordon and crossed the Oconee River at Ball's Ferry. The 17th Corps (Blair) moved on roads south of the Central Railroad until opposite Midville, crossed the Ogeechee River there, and moved via Millen and Eden, destroying the railroad enroute. Gen. Sherman accompanied the 17th Corps from Tennille to the outskirts of Savannah.

The 15th Corps, Maj. Gen. P.J. Osterhaus, USA, moved

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in two columns, the right via Statesboro, reaching the Ogeechee River here at Jencks Bridge on Dec. 6th. Finding the bridge burned, a pontoon bridge was laid. Rice's brigade crossed, drove back the defenders [CS] with minor losses, and moved to Eden to join Woods' brigade, which had crossed 3 miles upstream at Wright's Bridge.

Erected 1963 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 015-10.)

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 1840.

Location. 32° 11.507′ N, 81° 25.087′ W. Marker is in Blitchton, Georgia, in Bryan County. Marker is on U.S. 80, on the right when traveling east. Located at the West bank of the Ogeechee River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ellabell GA 31308, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old River Road (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sherman's Right Wing (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sherman at Zion Church (approx. 3.4 miles away); a different marker also named Sherman's Right Wing (approx. 4½ miles away); a different marker also named Old River Road

Jencks Bridge Marker, looking south along US 80 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

2. Jencks Bridge Marker, looking south along US 80

(approx. 7.2 miles away); Guyton Confederate General Hospital (approx. 9.8 miles away); Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Normal and Industrial Institute (approx. 10½ miles away); Sherman at Pooler (approx. 11.2 miles away).

Jencks Bridge Marker, looking north image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Jencks Bridge Marker, looking north

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,303 times since then and 131 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.