St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Civil War Comes to St. Marys
St. Marys History Walk
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
1. The Civil War Comes to St. Marys Marker
In January 1861, at Milledgeville, Georgia , St. Marys’ representatives voted for secession from the Union and formed the “Saint Marys Volunteers,” later called the “Camden Chasseurs.” All able-bodied men were sent to join the fight, which left the town vulnerable to Union raiding from Amelia Island.
In November 1862, the steamer Neptune and gunboat Mohawk, under the command of Col. Ritch with the 9th Maine Regiment, invaded St. Marys. Their troops were immediately fired upon by local forces and they fired back in retaliation. Folklore says firing continued until the Seal sisters came toward the waterfront offering surrender. A Captain Hughes had decided to leave in favor of returning to Fernandina, but when shots were fired, Union forces descended upon St. Marys and much of the town was left to ashes.
April 10, 1863 Edition of the Savannah Daily News: Federal troops “committed havoc” in St. Marys. They “gutted every house abandoned by its owner, carried off everything movable, and destroyed the remainder.”
Erected 2016 by Charlie & Mary Smith.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1861.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Civil War: Local People (here, next to this marker); The Civil War: Local Landmarks (here, next to this marker); Southern Signature (a few steps from this marker); St. Marys: A Military Town for 200+ Years (a few steps from this marker); The Enduring Gullah (a few steps from this marker); Georgia’s Coastal Gem: (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birth of a City (within shouting distance of this marker); The Washington Pump & Oak (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Marys.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
2. The Civil War Comes to St. Marys Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
3. Photo Insert: Federals Leaving Atlanta En Route To The Sea
Photo: From Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War by Gramarcy Books
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
4. Entrance to St. Marys History Walk
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
5. St. Marys History Park markers from a distance
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
6. St. Marys History Park commemoration plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 30, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
