Smithville in Lee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pursuit of Jefferson Davis
Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
1. Pursuit of Jefferson Davis Marker
Early in May, 1865, Federal cavalry under command of Col. R.H.G. Minty, U.S.A., passed through Smithville in pursuit of Jefferson Davis. They camped for one night near this spot, moved west to Cuthbert, then to Eufaula, Ala., south to Fort Gaines, Ga., back to Cuthbert, then again to Smithville, and on to Americus. President Johnson, in a proclamation May 2, 1865, offered a reward of $100,000 for the capture of Jefferson Davis. Hoping to obtain this reward, Federal troops spread out over most of this State. Davis was finally captured May 10, 1865, near Irwinville.
Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 088-5.)
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 May 1865.
Location. 31° 54.001′ N, 84° 15.152′ W. Marker is in Smithville, Georgia, in Lee County. Marker is at the intersection of Georgia Route 118 and South Stanton Drive (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling east on State Route 118. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smithville GA 31787, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Koinonia Farm (approx. 6.2 miles away); Noted Indian Settlement
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Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
2. Pursuit of Jefferson Davis Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, January 23, 2011
3. Pursuit of Jefferson Davis Marker
This view of the marker is looking east on Georgia Highway 118 at the intersection with U.S. Highway 41 in Smithville.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,138 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
