Historical Marker

Twiggs County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
425 North Railroad Street, Jeffersonville, Georgia
( Memorial is on North Railroad Street just south of Magnolia Street (State Route 96), on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1911

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Georgia was the site of the first American gold rush, but it was also the site of the first American oil rush. In 1905, oil was discovered in Bibb County, and the state's oil industry began to grow rapidly.
Georgia random facts
Twiggs County, located in central Georgia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1809. Named after General John Twiggs, a Revolutionary War hero, the county was originally a part of the Creek Indian Nation. However, with the signing of the Treaty of Fort Wilkinson in 1802, the Creek Indians ceded their lands, paving the way for European settlement in the area.

During the early years, Twiggs County relied heavily on agrarian practices, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county prospered due to fertile soil and a booming slave labor system. By the mid-1800s, the county had become a hub for agriculture, with large plantations and a thriving population of enslaved people.

However, the Civil War brought significant changes to Twiggs County. In 1864, Union General William T. Sherman led his famous March to the Sea through Georgia, leaving destruction in his wake. Twiggs County suffered greatly, with farms burned and infrastructure destroyed. The war also marked the end of slavery in the county, bringing about radical social and economic changes.

In the years following the war, Twiggs County slowly recovered and began to embrace new industries. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased connectivity and growth. The timber industry, with its vast pine forests, played a significant role in the county's economic development, with sawmills and timber-related businesses becoming an essential part of the local economy.

Today, Twiggs County is a predominantly rural area with a small and close-knit community. While the county's economy has diversified with the growth of manufacturing and service industries, agriculture, particularly poultry farming, remains an important sector. Twiggs County continues to cherish its historical roots, with numerous historic sites and landmarks preserving the county's unique history for future generations to appreciate.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Twiggs County, Georgia.

  • 1809: Twiggs County is established on December 14, named after General John Twiggs.
  • 1828: The county seat is officially moved to Jeffersonville.
  • 1835: The Treaty of New Echota, which leads to the forced removal of Native American tribes, has a significant impact on the county's population.
  • 1883: The Hawkinsville and Florida Southern Railroad is completed, providing a vital transportation link for the county.
  • 1890: The completion of the Macon, Dublin, and Savannah Railroad brings further economic growth to the area.
  • 1905: The county courthouse is destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.
  • 1932: The Great Depression leads to economic difficulties for Twiggs County.
  • 1968: Interstate 16, which passes through the county, is completed.
  • 2008: A devastating tornado strikes the county, causing significant damage.