Oconee in Washington County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Defense of the Oconee Bridge

By David Seibert, September 5, 2010

1. The Defense of the Oconee Bridge Marker

Inscription. On Nov. 19, 1854, Maj. A. L. Hartridge, CSA, arrived from Savannah with 186 men and 2 guns [CS] to defend the railroad bridge against raiding parties from Gen. Sherman’s army [US], then on its destructive March to the Sea. Next day, he was joined by Maj. Gen. H. C. Wayne, Adj. Gen. of Georgia, with the Corps of Cadets, G. M. I., a detachment of Factory and Penitentiary Guards, Roberts’ Guards (paroled convicts) and three small military units (infantry, cavalry and artillery), all under Maj. F. W. Capers, Supt., Georgia Military Institute. Total 450 men and 4 guns. Increments from Wheeler’s cavalry increased Wayne’s force to about 1200 men and 6 guns.

On the 23rd, Wayne learned that Union cavalry had reached Ball’s Ferry (8 miles S) and that Gen. Sherman had occupied Milledgeville. To protect his flanks, he burned the bridges over Buffalo Creek, above Oconee, and sent Hartridge with 2 companies of cavalry, 80 infantry and 2 guns to Ball’s Ferry.

On the 25th, Sherman’s Left Wing had crossed the Oconee at Milledgeville and his right was forcing a passage at Ball’s Ferry. Although he had held the bridge for three days against frontal assaults, Wayne’s flanks were now threatened; so he recalled the force at Ball’s Ferry and, early on the 26th, evacuated Oconee (No. 14, CRR) and withdrew to Tennille (No. 13, (CRR).

By David Seibert, September 5, 2010

2. The Defense of the Oconee Bridge Marker

Looking north on Georgia Highway 272 toward the railroad tracks and the town of Oconee.

Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 150-18.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the Georgia Historical Society/Commission, and the Shermans March to the Sea marker series.

Location. 32° 51.352′ N, 82° 57.068′ W. Marker is in Oconee, Georgia, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Georgia Route 272 and Ridgeview Drive, on the right when traveling south on State Route 272. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oconee GA 31067, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sherman's Right Wing (approx. 4 miles away); Ball's Ferry (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Ball's Ferry (approx. 5.1 miles away); Jefferson Davis (approx. 5½ miles away); Irwin’s Crossroad (approx. 5.9 miles away); Jared Irwin (approx. 6.4 miles away); Robert Toombs (approx. 7.8 miles away); Toomsboro (was approx. 7.8 miles away but has been reported missing. ). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oconee.

Categories. • War, US Civil •

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on September 8, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 988 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.