Decatur in Newton County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Sherman at Decatur

Photographed By Jeff Lovorn, December 1, 2011

1. Sherman at Decatur Marker

Inscription. During the Meridian Expedition, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman ordered the XVI Corps to move east while he waited with one infantry regiment at Decatur Crossroads. As Sherman retired for the night, the regiment mistakenly left him unguarded. Seeing an isolated wagon train but unaware of Sherman's presence, Confederate cavalry suddenly attacked, and the house where Sherman was quartered was surrounded. Rescued by the timely return of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry, Sherman narrowly escaped capture.

Erected 2009 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list.

Location. 32° 26.291′ N, 89° 6.399′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Mississippi, in Newton County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 15 and 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 15. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur MS 39327, 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. Medgar Evers (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beulah Hubbard School (approx. 6.3 miles away); Doolittle C.S.A. Cemetery

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 8 miles away); McElroy-Hoye House (approx. 8.7 miles away); Newton County Blues (approx. 8.8 miles away); Grierson's Raid (approx. 8.8 miles away); Confederate Hospital (approx. 8.8 miles away); Boler's Inn (approx. 9.3 miles away).

Sherman at Decatur Marker at Newton County Archives building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 24, 2023

2. Sherman at Decatur Marker at Newton County Archives building.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2011, by Jeff Lovorn of Florence, Mississippi. This page has been viewed 847 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 31, 2011, by Jeff Lovorn of Florence, Mississippi. 2. submitted on October 26, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.