Fort Gaines in Clay County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort Gaines

Photographed by David Seibert, August 14, 2011

1. Fort Gaines Marker

Inscription. One of several forts on Georgia’s western frontier for the protection of white settlers, Fort Gaines was established in 1816 by order of Gen. Edmund P. Gaines, commander of a large district, who used this as his headquarters. Containing two blockhouses, the 100-foot square fort was enclosed by a stockade eight feet high. During 1817, when Indians were active in the area, settlers look refuge in the fort, garrisoned by Federal troops under Gen. John Dill. Maintained for a number of years, the fort stood on the brow of the bluff just below the confluence of Town Branch with Chemochechobee Creek.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 030-6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.

Location. 31° 36.314′ N, 85° 3.282′ W. Marker is in Fort Gaines, Georgia, in Clay County. It can be reached from Extension of Bluff Street 0.1 miles south of Carroll Street. The marker is located on an unnamed road from Bluff Street to the Frontier Village. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Gaines GA 39851, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain. 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 walking

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distance of this marker: The 1836 Fort (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Lattice Bridge (about 400 feet away); Old Pioneer Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Site of the First Clay County Courthouse and Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); Chattahoochee River Crossings (approx. 0.3 miles away in Alabama); Franklin - First Beachhead into East Alabama (approx. 0.3 miles away in Alabama); Fort Gaines Guards (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Sites (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Gaines.

Other markers no longer nearby. In the Confederacy (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Site of Fort Gaines Female College (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by David Seibert, August 14, 2011

2. Fort Gaines Marker

Photographed by David Seibert, August 14, 2011

3. Fort Gaines Marker

The marker stands next to the blockhouse on the bluff; the railing to the right overlooks the Chattahoochee River.

Fort Gaines Frontier Village image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, August 14, 2011

4. Fort Gaines Frontier Village

The marker stands in the Fort Gaines Frontier Village, made up of old buildings moved from throughout the county to the area of the orginal fort. Visible are the Ingram House (left) and the Newt Engram House, both moved from east of Fort Gaines.

Photographed by David Seibert, August 14, 2011

5. Fort Gaines Frontier Village

Other old buildings moved to the Fort Gaines Frontier Village from sites in Clay County.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,613 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 14, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.