Eatonton in Putnam County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The March to the Sea
The Left Wing (14th and 20th Corps), Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, USA, marched east. At Decatur, the 14th Corps, accompanied by Gen. Sherman, turned SE toward Milledgeville. The 20th Corps, Brig. Gen. A.S. Williams, USA, marched east to Social Circle and Madison, destroying the Georgia RR between those towns.
On the 19th, at Madison, Geary’s division was detached to burn the RR bridge over the Oconee River (13 miles E of Madison). It rejoined the Corps near Dennis Station (9 miles S).
On the 20th, the Corps camped about three miles north. Next day, it passed through Eatonton, destroyed a few miles of the railroad, and camped below Dennis Station. Heavy rains having slowed the march and bogged down the trains, little destruction of public utility property was attempted. The 14th Corps, which had marched from Shady Dale that day, destroyed Eatonton factory (3 miles W on Little River) and camped in that vicinity.
On the 22nd, both corps converged on Milledgeville, then the Capital of Georgia. The 20th Corps arrived that day and took possession of the city; the 14th Corps arrived on the 23rd.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 117-7.)
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, and the Sherman’s March to the Sea series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1818.
Location. 33° 19.575′ N, 83° 23.333′ W. Marker is in Eatonton, Georgia, in Putnam County. Marker is on West Marion Street (U.S. 16) 0 miles west of South Jefferson Avenue (Route 441), on the right when traveling east. The marker stands on the lawn of the Putnam County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eatonton GA 31024, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Putnam County (a few steps from this marker); Putnam County Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stoneman Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Branch Bank of the State of Georgia at Eatonton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Childhood Home of Joel Chandler Harris (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eatonton.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,271 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.