Gordon in Wilkinson County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Evacuation of Gordon
Photographed by David Seibert, April 1, 2011
1. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker
That night, Wayne learned that the railroad had been destroyed east of Macon and that large forces [US] were approaching Gordon and Milledgeville. Gordon being no longer tenable, he decided to withdraw to the east bank of Oconee River and defend both the railroad bridge and Ball’s Ferry, four miles downstream, the only practicable wagon road crossing within a day’s march.
Although criticized by local citizens for evacuating Gordon, Wayne’s decision saved Caper’s small force and enabled him to use it at the river where, with another small force under Maj. A. L. Hartridge, it held the railway bridge, forcing the entire Right Wing [US] to cross Ball’s Ferry after losing three days spent skirmishing
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Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 158-8.)
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 date for this entry is November 20, 1864.
Location. 32° 52.905′ N, 83° 20.044′ W. Marker is in Gordon, Georgia, in Wilkinson County. It is at the intersection of Macon Road and Jackson Street, on the left when traveling north on Macon Road. Marker is now located at the Gordon Train Depot Museum some 13 miles from its previous location. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Jackson Street, Gordon GA 31031, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The March to the Sea (here, next to this marker); The Stoneman Raid (here, next to this marker); In Memory of J. Rufus Kelly (here, next to this marker); He Wouldn't Run (here, next to this marker); Gordon (within shouting distance of this marker); Gordon Depot-Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Ramah Church (approx. 1.6 miles away); Battle of Griswoldville (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gordon.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 29, 2017
2. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker
Marker was moved from Milledgeville Road to Macon Road, near the Gordon Train Depot Museum.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 29, 2017
3. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker is now second from left at new location.
Photographed by David Seibert, April 1, 2011
4. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker at former location.
Photographed by David Seibert, April 1, 2011
5. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker at former location.
Looking northwest on Milledgeville Road (Georgia Highway 243) toward the intersection with Gray Highway (Georgia Highway 18). The marker is the first in the line of four markers.
Photographed by David Seibert, April 1, 2011
6. The Evacuation of Gordon Marker at former location.
Looking southeast on Milledgeville Road (Georgia Highway 243) at the BASF Kaolin plant, which dominates the town. The marker is in the distance, closest to the plant.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,256 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 16, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3. submitted on May 1, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 16, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
