Macon in Bibb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The March to the Sea

Photographed by David Seibert, November 8, 2009

1. The March to the Sea Marker

Inscription. On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman, USA, began his March to the Sea. His army (650,000 infantry and 5,500 cavalry) moved in two widely separated wings. The Right Wing (15th and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, USA, moved via Jackson toward Gordon (20 miles E), feinting on Macon. The left Wing (14th and 20th Corps), Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, USA, moved via Decatur and Eatonton toward Milledgeville (34 miles NE), feinting on Augusta. The 3rd Cavalry Division, Brig. Gen. J. L. Kilpatrick, USA, covered the Right Wing.

On the 18th and 19th, the Right Wing crossed the Ocmulgee River at Planters’ Factory (Seven Islands), 30 miles NW of Macon. On the 19th, Kilpatrick reached Clinton (12 miles NE) and turned toward Macon, the Right Wing continuing toward Gordon. The infantry had marched from Atlanta almost unopposed; but Kilpatrick had skirmished steadily with Wheeler’s cavalry [CS], which was now contesting his advance toward Macon.

Next morning, he attacked the defenses of East Macon. Repulsed by Wheeler and the Georgia Militia, he retired to Griswoldville (9 miles E) where he found Walcutt’s Brigade, 15th Corps [US], posted there to protect the passage of the wagon trains of the Right Wing. They destroyed several miles of track, and burned the pistol factory, a soap and candle factory

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and other facilities in Griswoldville, but no further attempt was made on Macon during the March to the Sea.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 011-14.)

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 1959.

Location. 32° 50.346′ N, 83° 37.792′ W. Marker is in Macon, Georgia, in Bibb County. It is on Mulberry Street 0 miles west of 1st Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Macon GA 31201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mulberry Street Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mulberry Street Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Macon Civil War Era Churches (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Library Ballroom / College Discotheque (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); M. W. Grand Lodge of Georgia (about 500 feet away); The Stoneman Raid (about 600 feet away); Professional Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Macon.

November 2015

2. The March to the Sea Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,905 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 12, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on November 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.