Fort Benning in Chattahoochee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old Federal Road
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, February 15, 2011
1. Old Federal Road Marker
The Old Federal Road, which intersected the Chattahoochee River at this natural fording site, was originally a Lower Creek Indian Nation trading path. With the advent of colonization, it became one of western Georgia's earliest and most important emigrant and trading routes to the west. General LaFayette crossed at this point in March 1825 enroute to Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lafayettes Farewell Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1825.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 32° 20.727′ N, 84° 59.997′ W. Marker was in Fort Benning, Georgia, in Chattahoochee County. It was on Jecelin Road 1½ miles north of Dixie Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker was on Fort Benning Army Post, on west side of the airfield and north of the Eddy Bridge entrance gate. Fort Benning is an active U.S. Army installation; entrance is restricted. Touch for map. Marker was in this post
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Piedmont and in Greater Columbus. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Fort Mitchell (approx. one mile away in Alabama); Lafayette's Tour (approx. one mile away in Alabama); a different marker also named Fort Mitchell (approx. one mile away in Alabama); United States Indian Trading Post (approx. one mile away in Alabama); Fort Mitchell Military Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away in Alabama); First Black Paratroopers (approx. 1.1 miles away); John Crowell (approx. 1.1
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 23, 2017
2. Old Federal Road Marker
Unfortunately the marker has been removed.
Additional commentary.
1. Marker was stolen
The Fort Benning Architectural Historian (EMD-DPW) notes that the plaque was stolen nany years ago and that it was reported to the Post Military Police. The stone is still there as of this date.
— Submitted April 13, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, February 15, 2011
3. Old Federal Road Marker
Looking west toward the Chattahoochee River ford mentioned on the marker.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, February 15, 2011
4. Chattahoochee River ford
Looking west across the river. Site of Fort Mitchell is less than a mile from here in Alabama.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 23, 2017
5. Old Federal Road ford on the Chattahoochee River
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,647 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 28, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 2. submitted on January 20, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on February 28, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 5. submitted on January 20, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
