Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Republican Blues
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
1. Republican Blues Marker
Inscription.
Republican Blues. . , During the early months of the Civil War, Fort Jackson's Garrison was composed of local militia units which served rotating tours of duty at the fort. One of these units was the Republican Blues commanded by John Wayne Anderson., The Blues were first organized in 1808 and had previously served at Fort Jackson during the War of 18 12. The Blues, typical of Savannah's old military units, were a fraternal social organization as well as a well trained military unit. Their Civil War service at Fort Jackson began when they were transferred from nearby Wassau Island on November 12, 1861. Their tour of duty at Fort Jackson ended on August 20, 1862. , We are very near fixed and it is the first time I ever saw the Blues satisfied. They are willing to stay in these quarters. , Quote commenting on Fort Jackson from the diary of Lt. William D. Dixon, Republican Blues.
During the early months of the Civil War,
Fort Jackson's Garrison was composed
of local militia units which served rotating
tours of duty at the fort. One of these
units was the Republican Blues commanded
by John Wayne Anderson.
The Blues were first organized in 1808 and
had previously served at Fort Jackson
during the War of 1812. The Blues, typical
of Savannah's old military units, were a
fraternal social organization as well as a
well trained military unit. Their Civil War
service at Fort Jackson began when they
were transferred from nearby Wassau Island
on November 12, 1861. Their tour of duty
at Fort Jackson ended on August 20, 1862.
We are very near fixed and it is the first time
I ever saw the Blues satisfied. They are willing to stay in these quarters. Quote commenting on Fort
Jackson from the diary of Lt. William D. Dixon, Republican Blues.
Erected by Coastal Heritage Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812 • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1905.
Location. 32° 4.92′ N, 81° 2.201′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. Marker is on Fort Jackson Road. North (left) off
Click or scan to see this page online
of Presidents Street (US80) at Woodcock Street ,east (right) off of Woodcock Street onto Fort Jackson Road,Located at Old Fort Jackson. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31404, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Republican Blues. 1st Volunteer Regiment of Georgia
Mercer's-Olmstead's Georgia Infantry
Confederate States of America CSA
A Regimental History
Company C: Republican Blues or Independent Republican Blues, Chatham County, (John W. Anderson, George W. Anderson, Jr.)
This company was originally the Davis (William H. Davis) 2nd Republican Blues, Independent Company, Georgia Volunteer Infantry. The term of service for this company appears to have been 60 days. The company disbanded
Photographed By Coastal Heritage Society, November 29, 2009
2. Republican Blues Marker
Republican Blues Officer Field Uniform (top)
Republican Blues Enlisted Man Field Uniform (lower)
on 20 August 1861. Many of its members reenlisted here in this Olmstead’s 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteer First volunteer regiment of Georgia, which was organized prior to the war, composed of the militia companies of Savannah, and commanded by Col. A. R. Lawton. On the appointment of the latter as brigadier-general, H. W. Mercer was elected colonel, and on the latter's promotion to brigadier-general, Charles H. Olmstead was elected colonel, December 26, 1861. He retained command throughout the war.This regiment was on duty at Savannah and Fort Pulaski when Ramsey's regiment was organized. But of these two regiments, Ramsey's was the first to leave the State and the first to see actual war. The First volunteer regiment included the famous old companies--the Republican Blues, German Volunteers, Irish Jasper Greens, Savannah Cadets and Oglethorpe Light Infantry. It was reorganized in October, 1862, and served on the coast until May, 1864.
Photographed By Coastal Heritage Society, November 29, 2009
3. Republican Blues Marker
Republican Blues Officer Dress Uniform
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
4. Republican Blues
HD. Qtrs. Batteries Below
Fort Jackson
March 24/62
Special Orders No. 11
Day Signals
"...Enemy landing in force on the Georgia Shore will be
indicated by the hoisting of a White Flag with Blue Cross
Enemy landing in force on the Carolina Shore will be
indicated by a White Flag with two blue balls.
Enemy landing in force on Elba Island will be indicated
by hoisting of a blue flag.
The Day Signal will be answered by lowering the flag
at the post and the Fort."
By order of Edward C. Anderson
Maj. Com d's
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
5. The Napoleon 12-Pounder Field Gun Model 1857
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
6. Twelve-pound Napoleon smoothbore cannon
This type of cannon was the mainstay of artillery for both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
7. 12 pound Mountain Howitzer
Mostly used for defense against ground attacks
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
8. Demi-bastion
This is one of four "demi-bastions" in Fort Jackson. They were designed to protect the Fort's walls by firing into the flanks or sides of attacking troops. This demi-bastion had a 32-pounder cannon on a casemate carriage. It sat upon a wooden platform.
Cannons were never mounted in the remaining three demi-bastions.When the war broke out in 1861, a 12 pound Mountain Howitzer (picture 7, above) was placed at Fort Jackson for use in the demi-bastions.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
9. Coastal Cannon and Magazine
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
10. Heavy Artillery
Heavy artillery played a key role in the defense
of Savannah during the Civil War. In less than
a four mile stretch, the Confederacy had over
50 heavy artillery cannons guarding the
Savannah River. The Union was never able to
capture Savannah by water. The combination
of heavy artillery, the "Mosquito Fleet" (a
nickname for the Confederate Naval Squadron),
ironclads, river mines and other obstacles all
kept Savannah safe.
Two attempts were made to test the river
defensive positions protecting the city in the fall
of 1862; both ended with the retreat of the Union
Navy. According to a newspaper article which
chronicled the details of the second attack, the
engagement lasted more than an hour and more
than 100 rounds were exchanged. The engagement
frightened many of the civilians in Savannah.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
11. Powder Magazine
1812 Powder Magazine
This is one of two identical powder magazines
built during the initial phase, 1800-1812.
Confederate forces used these two rooms for
prepared ammunation storage. To protect the
magazines and their contents, Confederate
engineers erected an armor barrier of railroad
iron to shield each of the doorways. The second
magazine is hidden by the 1960,s stairway that
leads to the parapet.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
12. Powder Magazine
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
13. Powder Magazine
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
14. Rations storage in the Magazine as well
Photographed By Mike Stroud
15. Fort Jackson
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
16. CSS Georgia model
Lies just off shore from Fort Jackson, this Ironclad was a part of the "Mosquito Fleet", scuttled to prevent capture. Attempts to reclaim her are ongoing
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
17. CSS Savannah model of the "Mosquito Fleet"
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
18. CSS Atlanta model of the "Mosquito Fleet"
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
19. Republican Blues Guard Room
The guard and sentries of the fort lived and
operated out of this room. Guards serve two
hours on duty and two hours off for a 24 hour
period. During the summer months, guards
would be rotated from the city twice a day to
protect them from disease brought on by
mosquitoes and harsh conditions. 14th Sept. 1864... Major Bertody reports that
a Yankee prisoner was shot last night between
8 & 9, attempting to pass down between Fort
Jackson and Cheves Battery. The moon was
shining brilliantly at the time & he evidently
fancied himself out of harm's way after getting
by the city... Lt. William Dixon Republican Blues
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
20. Republican Blues Guard Room
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 29, 2009
21. Republican Blues Guard Room
Photographed By Davis Freeman III, March 2, 2024
22. Republican Blues Marker
Presentation watch to W. H. Davis by the Republican Blues.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,685 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on December 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 14. submitted on December 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 15. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 16. submitted on December 5, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. submitted on December 6, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 22. submitted on March 4, 2024, by Davis Freeman III of Knoxville, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.