Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Garrard’s Cavalry Raid

Photographed by David Seibert, November 20, 2008

1. Garrard’s Cavalry Raid Marker

Inscription. On July 20, 1864, Union forces under Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman, USA, were closing in on Atlanta. Hq. 2nd Cavalry Division [US], Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard, was in Decatur, 6 miles E of Atlanta. Garrard’s three brigades were guarding bridges over the Chattahoochee River and picketing the left flank. That night, Garrard was ordered to assemble his command and march to Covington (29 miles S) to burn the bridges over the Yellow and Ulcofauhachee (Alcovy) rivers and destroy the Georgia Railroad in that area.

He marched late on the 21st. Next morning the destruction was begun. At Covington, he burned the depot, a newly-built hospital center, 2,000 bales of cotton, and large quantities of quartermaster and commissary supplies. After destroying 2 railroad and 4 wagon bridges, 3 trains and 6 miles of track, he turned north toward Loganville (11 miles SE), arriving there on July 23rd.

While Long's and Miller’s brigades performed the same mission in and around Loganville, Garrard detached Minty’s brigade to Lawrenceville to strip this area of horses and mules. Reaching Lawrenceville later in the day, Minty encountered a small force of cavalry [CS] which, after a sharp skirmish, he drove from the town. After rounding up all stock which had not been hidden at his approach, Minty moved to Yellow River (4 miles SW) and made camp. Next morning

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he marched to Decatur to rejoin Garrard.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 067-2B.)

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 series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1850.

Location. 33° 57.418′ N, 83° 59.313′ W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. It is on North Clayton Street (Georgia Route 20) 0 miles south of West Pike Street (U.S. 29), on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the lawn of the Old Gwinnett County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lawrenceville GA 30045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

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 distance of this marker: Button Gwinnett (within shouting distance of this marker); Gwinnett County (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Bill Arp (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of Major William E. Simmons (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Banished Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to the Fallen of 1836 (within shouting

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 21, 2015

2. Garrard’s Cavalry Raid Marker

The north-east corner of the Gwinnett County Courthouse can be seen in the distance.

distance of this marker); In Tribute to Ezzard Charles (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawrenceville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Veterans of Gwinnett County, Georgia (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,061 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on June 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on March 10, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on June 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.