Sparta in Hancock County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

“July” 1858

The Original July Foxhound

Photographed By David Seibert, November 6, 2007

1. "July" 1858 Marker

Inscription. In July 1858 an Irish Foxhound arrived in Georgia as a gift from the noted hunter, Nimrod Gosnell of Roxbury Mills, Maryland to Colonel Miles G. Harris of Hancock County. The male puppy was named “July.” Col. Harris invited fox hunters for miles around to join him on a fox hunt during October 1859. They brought their choicest runners with them, but they were no match for “July’s” superior performance in the hunting field chasing red foxes. Hunters from surrounding counties and in some cases adjacent states brought their best bitches to be bred to “July.” Thus began the strain of hounds known by the name of its progenitor “July.”

Erected by Lovers of July Hounds.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1858.

Location. 33° 19.9′ N, 83° 4.1′ W. Marker is in Sparta, Georgia, in Hancock County. Marker is on Georgia Route 16 at milepost 5, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on GA Highway 16 at Mile Marker 5, at Oakland Plantation. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sparta GA 31087, 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. Shoulder-bone Creek Treaty (approx. 0.9 miles away); Famous Indian Trail (approx. 2 miles away); Gov. William Jonathan Northen

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(approx. 4.1 miles away); Mt. Zion Church (approx. 4.2 miles away); Nathan S.S. Beman at Mt. Zion (approx. 4.2 miles away); "Old Dominion" (approx. 6.4 miles away); Hancock County (approx. 6.6 miles away); Old Eagle Tavern (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sparta.

Additional commentary.
1. That nice old marker of that good old dog.
I'm chairman of the Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway for Hancock County. I was contacted several years ago by a gentleman that said he and several friends wanted to erect a marker to their beloved July Hounds. I told them I would see what I could do and sent an application to the Georgia State Historical Society. I received a very not nice reply that while the July Hound might be important to Hancock County, it certainly was not to the state or nation.

I thought, ok, we're gonna find a way to get a marker up for these fine gentlemen and their dogs. I found the place where the Georgia State Historical Society has their's made and these fine men raised the funds for the marker and a BBQ. I was told they got donations

Photographed By David Seibert, November 4, 2007

2. “July” 1858 Marker

The stone wall extends in front of Oakland Plantation

from as far away as Canada, Scotland, and England. So....poo on the Georgia State Historical Society. I bet we have the only marker in the state for a dog, and well deserved it is. It just amazed me that they did not think that this piece of history was important.

Anyway, everytime I go by the marker I always say hello to the "old July". I've seen many a car pulled over reading about that good old dog. It was a great pleasure to be able to help these fine men honor their July Hounds. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 11, 2010, by Nancy Stephens of Sparta, Georgia.

Additional keywords. Dog, Dogs

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,309 times since then and 75 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week July 15, 2012. Photos: 1. submitted on July 23, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on November 10, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.