Cooperville in Screven County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The March to the Sea
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 2008
1. The March to the Sea Marker
On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive Campaign for Savannah -- the March to the Sea. He divided his army [Union] into two wings. The Left Wing (14th and 20th Corps), Maj. Gen. H.W. Slocum, USA, moved east from Atlanta in two columns which converged on Milledgeville, cross the Ogeechee River near Louisville, then march toward Savannah by two routes: the 14th Corps (Davis) on the old road near the Savannah River (Ga 24), the 20th Corps (Williams) via Springfield. Both corps approached Savannah via Monteith. Gen. Sherman accompanied the Left Wing as far as Sandersville.
The Right Wing (15th and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, USA, marched south via Gordon and crossed the Oconee River at Ball`s Ferry. The 15th Corps (Osterhaus) marched on roads west of the Ogeechee River, its right through Statesboro. The 17th Corps, Maj. Gen. F.P. Blair, USA, accompanied by Gen. Sherman and his staff, crossed the Ogeechee River at Midville, marched SE on the present Ga. 17 and destroyed the Central Railroad from Midville to near Savannah. It crossed the present US 301 at this point (Coopersville) on Dec. 4th. That day, the 14th Corps (the extreme left) was march on the Old Savannah Road (Ga. 24), the 20th Corps was on the Middle Ground
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Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 124-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • 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 month for this entry is October 1861.
Location. 32° 35.456′ N, 81° 42.261′ W. Marker is in Cooperville, Georgia, in Screven County. Marker is at the intersection of Statesboro Highway (U.S. 301) and Scarboro Highway / Effingham Highway (State Highway 17), on the right when traveling south on Statesboro Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sylvania GA 30467, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cooperville (here, next to this marker); Louisville Road (here, next to this marker); Union Meeting House (approx. 3.3 miles away); Old Savannah Road (approx. 3.3 miles away); Sherman's Advance (approx. 3˝ miles away); a different marker also named Union Meeting House (approx. 3.8 miles away);
Photographed By Mike Stroud
2. The March to the Sea Marker looking South on US 301
Also see . . . Sherman's March to the Sea. New Georgia Encyclopedia entry (Submitted on June 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
3. The March to the Sea Marker, looking North
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,863 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
