Newnan in Coweta County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Birthplace of a Confederate Hero

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Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2010

1. Birthplace of a Confederate Hero Marker

Inscription. William Thomas Overby was born on this site in the 1840s. He enlisted May 31, 1861, in Co. A, 7th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A. Later served with the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, Mosby’s Rangers, and participated in many raids that harassed the enemy.

On Friday, Sept. 23, 1864, Overby and five other Rangers were captured at Front Royal, Va. Overby was offered his freedom if he would reveal the hiding place of Mosby’s Rangers. This he refused to do, so he was hanged without the benefit of a trial. He “lay down his life for his friends”.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 038-1.)

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 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1607.

Location. 33° 23.946′ N, 84° 39.314′ W. Marker is in Newnan, Georgia, in Coweta County. Marker is at the intersection of Col. Joe M. Jackson Medal of Honor Highway (Georgia Route 34) and Thomas Overby Drive, on the right when traveling east on Col. Joe M. Jackson Medal of Honor Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newnan GA 30265, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as

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the crow flies. Skirmish at Shakerag (approx. 6.8 miles away); Palmer Family Cemetery (approx. 7.6 miles away); Holly Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 7.8 miles away); Willis Pentecost Menefee (approx. 8.2 miles away); Confederate Monument (approx. 8.2 miles away); Palmetto (approx. 8.2 miles away); Confederate Army of Tennessee (approx. 8.2 miles away); Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 8.3 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Front Royal, Va. Markers discussing the Incident.

Also see . . . Overby's Grave. Expanded information on Pvt. William Thomas Overby. (Submitted on June 21, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Marker due correction.
The Georgia Historical Society has made plans to change this inaccurate marker by adding it to its list of older historical markers in need of work. Despite what the marker says, Overby was born in Virginia in 1840. Overby moved to Georgia as a youth with his family. It may take some time before it is corrected.

— Submitted June 21, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2010

2. Birthplace of a Confederate Hero Marker

Looking east on Georgia Highway 34

Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2010

3. Birthplace of a Confederate Hero Marker

Looking west; Thomas Overby Drive is in the background

Photographed By David Seibert, June 19, 2010

4. Birthplace of a Confederate Hero Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,065 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 20, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.