Decatur in DeKalb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Swanton House

By Felch Dumas, July 19, 2008

1. The Swanton House Marker

Inscription. Ante-bellum residence of Benjamin F. Swanton; once the property of Ammi Williams, a DeKalb County pioneer. Built prior to 1842.

In 1864 the Swanton family was in residence here when the Federal Army of the Tennessee occupied Decatur. This force consisted of the 15th, 16th & 17th Corps, commanded by Gen. J.B. McPherson, which had crossed the Chattahoochee at Roswell. Enroute to Atlanta they camped at Decatur, night of July 19.

Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sweeny, comdg. 2d div. of Dodge's 16th A.C. established h'dq'rs at the Swanton house - as recorded in the diary of J.P. Snell, 52d Ill., h'dq'rs clerk & war-corres.

Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 044-30.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the Georgia Historical Society/Commission marker series.

Location. 33° 46.345′ N, 84° 18.339′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Georgia, in DeKalb County. Marker is on West Trinity Place 0.1 miles east of West Ponce De Leon Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur GA 30030, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mary Gay House (within shouting distance of this marker);

By Felch Dumas, July 19, 2008

2. The Swanton House Marker

The Beacon Community (approx. 0.3 miles away); Houston Mill Millstone (approx. 0.6 miles away); Steatite Boulder (approx. 0.6 miles away); DeKalb County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Garrard’s Cavalry Raid (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Stoneman Raid (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wheeler’s Cav. at Decatur (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.

Categories. • Antebellum South, US • War, US Civil •

The Swanton House Marker and the Mary Gay House image. Click for full size.

By Felch Dumas, July 19, 2008

3. The Swanton House Marker and the Mary Gay House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 20, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,494 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.