Covington in Newton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The March to the Sea

Photographed By David Seibert, June 20, 2009

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 Right Wing (15th and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, USA, moved south via McDonough to feint at Macon, crossed the Ocmulgee River at Seven Islands (9 miles SE of Jackson), and concentrated around Gordon (17 miles SW of Milledgeville), where it could communicate with the Left Wing, then converging on Milledgeville. Kilpatrick’s cavalry division covered the right of the army as far as Gordon, skirmishing continually with Wheeler’s cavalry [CS].

The Left Wing (14th and 20th Corps), Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, USA, marched east from Atlanta in two columns. The 20th Corps, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, USA, moved through Social Circle and Madison, feinted at Augusta, then turned south through Eatonton, reaching Milledgeville on the 22nd. The 14th Corps, Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis, USA, accompanied by Gen. Sherman, turned southeast via Covington and Shady Dale, reaching Milledgeville on the 23rd.

On Nov. 18th, the 14th Corps moved through Covington, camping that night in and east of town and on the banks of Ulcofauhachee (Alcovy) River, four miles east. The 20th Corps destroyed the Georgia

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Railroad east from Social Circle, camping near Madison.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 107-7.)

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 1854.

Location. 33° 36.18′ N, 83° 51.504′ W. Marker is in Covington, Georgia, in Newton County. Marker is on U.S. 278, 0 miles west of Elm Street NE when traveling west. Marker is located in a picnic area in front of a Dairy Queen restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Covington GA 30015, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stoneman Raid (here, next to this marker); Garrard’s Cavalry Raid (a few steps from this marker); Newton County Jail House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lucius Q. C. Lamar (approx. 0.4 miles away); Swanscombe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Newton County War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Ramsey's Furniture (approx. half a mile away); To The Confederate Dead of Newton County (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.

Photographed By David Seibert, June 20, 2009

2. The March to the Sea Marker

The marker stands between with two other markers on US 278, looking west in this photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,495 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.