Milledgeville in Baldwin County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Troup-Clark Political Feud
Photographed By David Seibert, September 5, 2010
1. Troup-Clark Political Feud Marker
In the street near this site in June 1807, occurred the horse-whipping of Superior Court Judge Charles Tait by his political enemy John Clark, later Governor of Georgia. Clark was fined $2,000 for the assault. The incident illustrates Georgia politics in the 1800-1830 period when family and personal loyalties formed the unifying theme. Pistol duels and other violence were frequent and often fatal.John Clark (Gov., 1819-1823) led the frontier settlers who stood for greater political democracy, while William H. Crawford and George M. Troup (Gov., 1823-1827) led the opposing conservative and aristocratic faction consolidated earlier by James Jackson (Gov., 1789-1801). For years the Troup and Clark parties contended in state politics, differing not so much in principles but in personalities. Under Clark’s leadership the governor became elective by popular vote in 1824. Thus Georgia led other states in removing the chief executive from legislative appointment and control.
Erected 1989 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 005-27.)
Topics and series. This historical marker
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Location. 33° 4.819′ N, 83° 13.503′ W. Marker is in Milledgeville, Georgia, in Baldwin County. Marker is at the intersection of East Greene Street and South Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east on East Greene Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milledgeville GA 31061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Milledgeville Confederate Monument (here, next to this marker); Georgia's Secession Convention (within shouting distance of this marker); State House Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexis de Tocqueville (within shouting distance of this marker); In Commemoration of Marquis De Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); Old State Capitol (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Fort Defiance (about 400 feet away); Statehouse Square (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milledgeville.
More about this marker. This marker replaced an earlier marker of the same title and text, erected by the Georgia Historical Commission at this location.
Photographed By David Seibert, September 5, 2010
2. Troup-Clark Political Feud Marker
Looking south on South Jefferson Street at the intersection with East Greene Street; the Old Capitol Square is in the background.
Photographed By Michael Dover, January 23, 2011
3. Troup-Clark Political Feud Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,090 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on January 27, 2011, by Michael Dover of Ellerslie, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
