Near Thomson in McDuffie County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Birthplace of George McDuffie
McDuffie's political prominence involved him in a renowned political dispute when his loyalty to John C. Calhoun brought on a series of duels with Col. William Cumming of Augusta who supported William H. Crawford of Georgia, Calhoun’s rival for the Presidency.
“This feud has become a sort of historical incident,” John Quincy Adams confided to his diary regarding the McDuffie-Cumming duels which involved among others, Calhoun and Crawford; President James Monroe, who tried to stop the duels; and Richard Henry Wilde, Georgia poet and Congressman, who was implicated by a rumor that he, not Cumming, was the aggrieved party.
A series of newspaper articles appeared in 1821 promoting Crawford’s candidacy; McDuffie's vehement reply caused William Cumming, one of the authors, to challenge him. The dueling preparations, which lasted nearly a year, were complicated by the bitterness of the two men. The principles met four times on the field of honor and shots were exchanged at two of these meetings. McDuffie, native Georgia, but outstanding South Carolinian, carried the distinguished Georgian’s bullet in his spine for the rest of his life.
Erected 1964 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 094-7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, the Former U.S. Presidents: #06 John Quincy Adams, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 33° 25.933′ N, 82° 27.7′ W. Marker is near Thomson, Georgia, in McDuffie County. Marker is on George McDuffie Road, half a mile south of Augusta Road (U.S. 278), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thomson GA 30824, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Smith Watson Homeplace (approx. 1.6 miles away); Noted Indian Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away); Blind Willie McTell (approx. 3.3 miles away); Women of the Sixty's Confederate Monument (approx. 3.3 miles away); Usry House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Woodman of the World Supreme Sacrifice Monument (approx. 3.6 miles away); VFW Post 6672 KIA Monument (approx. 3.6 miles away); VFW Veterans Monument (approx. 3.6 miles away); McDuffie County (approx. 3.6 miles away); Nancy Hart Highway (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thomson.
Also see . . . George McDuffie. George McDuffie (August 10, 1790 – March 11, 1851) was the 55th Governor of South Carolina and a member of the United States Senate. (Submitted on September 13, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Political Offices Held by George McDuffie
* United States Senator from South Carolina: December 23, 1842 – August 17, 1846
* 55th Governor of South Carolina: December 9, 1834 – December 10, 1836
* U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 5th district: March 4, 1823 – 1834
* U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 6th district: March 4, 1821 – March 3, 1823
* South Carolina House of Representatives from the Edgefield District: November 23, 1818 – November 27, 1820
— Submitted September 13, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Additional keywords. Duels, dueling
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,355 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 12, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on August 30, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.