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Abbeville in Wilcox County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Jefferson Davis

 
 
Jefferson Davis Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By David Seibert, January 17, 2011
1. Jefferson Davis Marker
Inscription. Late on May 8, 1865, Jefferson Davis, with his family and a small escort, camped in Abbeville, unaware that hostile pursuit was close behind. His pursuers, the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry [US], Lt. Col. Henry Harnden, arrived next morning, shortly after his departure. Stopping only to feed and water, Harnden’s men were moving out in pursuit when the 4th Michigan Cavalry [US], Lt. Col. B. D. Pritchard, arrived. Harnden confided to Pritchard both Mr. Davis’ proximity and probable route; then, after declining an offer of help, he rode on to overtake his command.

Pritchard, bound down-river to intercept other Confederate officials, rode on some 12 miles: then, abandoning his own mission, he made a forced march and, after finding the Davis camp late that night by posing as the escort, he surrounded it quietly and waited for dawn.

Harnden had camped a few miles away. Unaware of Pritchard’s presence, he moved up just before dawn to surround the camp. His advance was fired upon and, in the fight that followed, two Michigan soldiers were killed before a prisoner taken by Harnden’s men revealed the Identity of the “enemy.”

During this unfortunate collision, Pritchard closed in and captured Mr. Davis and his party, thereafter claiming for the 4th Michigan the fruits of the 1st Wisconsin’s labors.
 
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1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 156-3.)
 
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 1826.
 
Location. 31° 59.55′ N, 83° 18.417′ W. Marker is in Abbeville, Georgia, in Wilcox County. Marker is at the intersection of North Broad Street (U.S. 129) and West Main Street (U.S. 280), on the right when traveling south on North Broad Street. The marker stands in front of the Wilcox County Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 North Broad Street, Abbeville GA 31001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Jefferson Davis (here, next to this marker); De Soto Trail (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson Davis Camp Site (a few steps from this marker); Wilcox County Confederate Monument (a few steps from this marker); Wilcox County (within shouting distance of this marker); New Hope Primitive Baptist Church (approx. 2 miles away); Battle of Breakfast Branch (approx. 4.2 miles away); Braziel's Old Store (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abbeville.
 
Jefferson Davis Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By David Seibert, January 17, 2011
2. Jefferson Davis Marker
Jefferson Davis Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By David Seibert, January 17, 2011
3. Jefferson Davis Marker
The marker stands (left) with the Confederate Monument and another marker (right) also titled "Jefferson Davis," in front of the Wilcox County Library.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 702 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on February 5, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024