Griffin in Spalding County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Fannin Avengers

Photographed By David Seibert, January 25, 2010

1. The Fannin Avengers Marker

Inscription. In 1846, when President Polk called for volunteers to fight against Mexico, a company of men organized promptly in Griffin. Calling themselves “The Fannin Avengers”, they marched to Columbus where the company became part of a regiment commanded by Colonel Henry R. Jackson of Savannah. The regiment performed gallant service in Mexico.

The company was named in honor of Col. James W. Fannin of Twiggs County, a martyr to Texas independence. Tremendously outnumbered, he agreed to surrender his command to troops under the command of Mexican dictator Santa Anna when assured the safety of his men would be guaranteed. Instead he and his men were murdered at Goliad in 1836.

Officers of “The Fannin Avengers” were Captain H. J. Sargent, 1st Lt. George D. Alexander, 2nd Lt. H. B. Holliday. Non-commissioned officers at the time the company left Griffin were 1st Sergeant F. M. Ison, 2nd Sgt. G. D. Johnson, 3rd Sgt. William F. Moore, 4th Sgt. Robert Latimer, 1st Corporal Alex O. Reed, 2nd Cpl. T. D. Bertody, 3rd Cpl. Joseph Johnson, and 4th Cpl. Ben F. Ingram.

Erected 2001 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 126-15.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Mexican-American

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. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 33° 13.555′ N, 84° 16.114′ W. Marker is in Griffin, Georgia, in Spalding County. Marker is at the intersection of Zebulon Road (U.S. 19) and Fair Road, on the right when traveling south on Zebulon Road. The marker is at the National Guard Armory at the Griffin airport. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Griffin GA 30223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Spalding Grays (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Camp Milner (approx. ¾ mile away); Fireman First Class Hiram Dennis Harris (approx. 1.2 miles away); P.F.C. C.W. Hall (approx. 1.2 miles away); Pfc. Robert Kennedy (approx. 1.2 miles away); Cpl. Linwood P. Martin (approx. 1.2 miles away); Staff Sgt. William F. Corley (approx. 1.2 miles away); Bailey-Tebault House (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Griffin.

More about this marker. This marker replaced an earlier marker of the same title and text on this location erected by the Georgia Historical Commission.

Regarding The Fannin Avengers.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 25, 2010

2. The Fannin Avengers Marker

Looking north toward Griffin on US 19, on the right

2nd Lt Henry Burroughs Holliday was the father of John Henry "Doc" Holliday, gambler, gunman, friend of Wyatt Earp, and participant in the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."

Photographed By David Seibert, January 25, 2010

3. The Fannin Avengers Marker

Looking north on US 19 toward Griffin, with a Georgia Historical Marker for the Spalding Grays in the foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,281 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 15, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.