Prater’s Mill and The Civil War
1861-1865
October 1862 – The first Confederate troops arrive in Whitfield County.
1826 – 1864 – Benjamin Franklin Prater sells corn, hay, fodder, bacon, split rails and planks to the Confederacy for $1,591.17 Confederate dollars.
February 23, 1864 – Union forces under Colonel Eli Long camp at Prater’s Mill with 350 mounted infantry, 250 cavalry and 12 prisoners.
April 13, 1864 – Confederate General Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry camp at Prater’s Mill.
May 9, 1864 – Battle of Varnell’s Station. General Joseph Wheeler, CSA, with 900 men, routed 5,000 Federals under Brigadier General Edward McCook. Ten Confederates and 150 Federals are killed. Wheeler takes over 100 prisoners. During the battle, Ben Prater’s slaves were gathered on the porch of the mill. They could hear gunfire in the distance.
May 1865 – The war is over. Ben Prater’s seventeen slaves are freed and live at Stockburger Crossing.
On Some Civil War maps, Prater’s Mill is listed at Barrett’s or Russell’s Mill. Barret was a former owner of the property while Russell was a Prater relative hired as the miller.
Erected by Prater’s Mill Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
this page online
Location. 34° 53.732′ N, 84° 55.219′ W. Marker is near Varnell, Georgia, in Whitfield County. Marker is on Prater Mill Road NE (Georgia Route 2), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Varnell GA 30756, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Prater's Mill (here, next to this marker); Water Turbine (a few steps from this marker); Prater’s Mill Store (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Prater’s Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Lacewell’s Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Gin (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Federal Road (approx. 1½ miles away); Historic Varnell Home (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Varnell.
Also see . . . Prater's Mill Historic Site. Explore Georgia website entry (Submitted on July 19, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 499 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on April 10, 2021, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 4, 5. submitted on July 19, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
