Historical Marker

Welcome to Magnolia Springs – The Civil War’s Camp Lawton

Historical marker location:
1053 Magnolia Springs Road, Millen, Georgia
( Marker can be reached from Magnolia Springs Road, 0.4 miles east of U.S. 25, on the left when traveling east.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
Georgia has a strong military history and has been the site of several important military installations, including Fort Benning, which is home to the U.S. Army Infantry School.
Georgia random facts
Jenkins County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The county was named after Governor Charles Jenkins, who served as Georgia's governor during the American Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek and the Cherokee, but European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s.

In the early years of Jenkins County, agriculture played a significant role in its economy. Cotton was the main crop grown, and the county became known for its large plantations with enslaved African Americans providing the labor. The county's agricultural success attracted new settlers, and the population grew steadily.

During the Civil War, Jenkins County, like many other southern counties, suffered significant damage and loss. Many of the large plantations were destroyed, and the economy faced a severe downturn. However, in the years following the war, the county slowly rebuilt, and new industries began to emerge.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of kaolin, a type of clay used in various industries, brought economic prosperity to Jenkins County. Kaolin mining became a major industry in the county, providing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. Today, agriculture and kaolin mining remain important industries in Jenkins County, and the county continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong sense of history and community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jenkins County, Georgia.

  • 1796 - Jenkins County is established as the 37th county in Georgia.
  • Early 1800s - The county experiences growth with the establishment of small settlements and the construction of roads.
  • 1830 - The city of Millen is established as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Jenkins County residents participate in the American Civil War, with some serving in the Confederate Army.
  • Late 1800s - The county's economy flourishes with the growth of the timber and farming industries.
  • 1919 - Jenkins County experiences a devastating fire which destroys many buildings in downtown Millen.
  • Mid-1900s - The county witnesses significant changes in agriculture and industry with the introduction of modern farming techniques and the growth of manufacturing.
  • 1996 - Jenkins County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.