Stockbridge in Henry County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Orphan Brigade

Photographed By David Seibert, July 2, 2011

1. The Orphan Brigade Marker

Inscription. 1864. Activities in Atlanta indicating a new offensive by Gen. Sherman’s army [US], which had occupied that area since Sept. 2nd, units of Gen. Wheeler’s cavalry corps [CS] were posted on all roads to the south. On Nov. 15th, the advance of Osterhaus’ 15th Corps [US], which had marched from White Hall (West End) via Rough and Ready that day, was halted near Stockbridge by Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Lewis’ “Orphan Brigade” (2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th Kentucky Mounted Infantry). Although greatly outnumbered, the Orphans delayed the enemy until flanked out of position, after which they retired in good order to Lovejoy Station. This was the first real resistance met by the Right Wing of Sherman’s army on its destructive March to the Sea.

These Kentucky regiments [CS] were “orphans” because the secession movement had failed in Kentucky, leaving them with no “home state” in the Confederacy. The Orphan Brigade was first commanded by Maj. Gen John C. Breckinridge, formerly Vice President of the United States, later Secretary of War in the Confederate Cabinet. It served with great distinction through all four years of the War Between the States.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 075-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker

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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 year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 33° 32.667′ N, 84° 14.099′ W. Marker is in Stockbridge, Georgia, in Henry County. Marker is at the intersection of North Henry Boulevard (U.S. 23) and Tye Street, on the right when traveling west on North Henry Boulevard. The marker stands by the parking lot for the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4740 North Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge GA 30281, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Floyd Chapel Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Right Wing at Stockbridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); March and Counter-march (approx. 3.8 miles away); Melvinia Shields (approx. 3.8 miles away); Old Stagecoach Road (approx. 5.1 miles away); Shingleroof Campground (approx. 6.6 miles away); Morrow, Georgia (approx. 6.6 miles away); Kilpatrick's Raid (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stockbridge.

Photographed By David Seibert, July 2, 2011

2. The Orphan Brigade Marker

Looking west on North Henry Boulevard, US Highway 23, toward Atlanta

Photographed By David Seibert, July 2, 2011

3. The Orphan Brigade Marker

Looking east on North Henry Boulevard, US Highway 23, toward the railroad overpass in Stockbridge

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,085 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.