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THINGS OF INTEREST

Introduction

THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR: Striking a blow at the Heartland of the Confederacy, the last battles fought to end the War.

Dec. 17, 2005

On February 14,1865, General U.S. Grant wrote a letter to Major General G.H. Thomas, commander of Shermans forces in Tennessee, instructing him to launch an invasion south of the Tennessee River into Alabama. Grant's decision would hold tremendous consequences for the citizens and industries of Columbus Georgia. This little river town on the eastern bank of the Chattahoochee River and powered by the waters of Coweta Falls, had become a hotbed for Confederate industrial activities over the course of the war. Columbus's status was due largely to the town's location deep in the heartland of the South, where it remained relatively untouched by the war?s destruction.

General Grant's decision to unleash the wrath of his 28 year old cavalry commander, Major-General James H. Wilson, would have dire effects on many southern cities and towns located in what was called "the industrial heartland of the Confederacy." This was an area stretching across central Georgia, Alabama and eastern Mississippi. This area was rich with natural resources, factories, and a local population loyal to the Confederate cause. Wilson?s Raiders cut this heartland right down the middle; this caused devastation to the local people and industries for many years to come. The raid?s primary objective was to bring the Confederate war-supplying machines to a halt and without a question was very successful in doing so.

As I continue with this article, over the next week or two, I plan to bring before you a factual and informative presentation of the effects of Wilson?s raid by focusing attention on two issues.

First: Why did the Union leaders feel it was necessary for General Wilson's Cavalry to perform such a destructive raid in to the Confederate Heartland. This issue is particularly intriguing when one considers the fact that, by the Spring of 1865, the Confederacy had little resistance left to offer in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. The South no longer possessed the resources to continue waging such a large-scale conventional war against a wealthier Northern enemy. Although, there were several options available to the Confederate leaders that could have prolonged the conflict. There was much speculation in the Southern leadership that prolonging the war could wear down northern determination to persist, and there by end the war under terms more favorable to the South than those offered in the winter of 1865.

(Personal Thought: Doesn't this sound like the same strategy being used by Iraq's enemies to make American citizens shut down our efforts in helping the people of Iraq win their freedom?)

Second: This issue will be on the battle of Columbus; though the battle was relatively brief, it is an essential part of this story. I will begin by describing the route that Wilson's Raiders took from Alabama to Columbus, and briefly discussing some of the battles and events which occurred along the way. Some of the most colorful figures of the war, both Yankee and Rebels, played a role in this saga of the Civil War story. Their participation makes the context that the battle of Columbus occurred in very interesting. The fact that the Rebels believed it more important to consolidate their forces at Columbus in defense of the town rather than gather to defend Montgomery ( the first capital of the Confederacy) demonstrates just how important Columbus had to be to the War effort. By April of 1865, Columbus was one of four major industrial centers remaining for the South. The other three were Tuscaloosa, Selma, and Montgomery. These industrial towns were the last hope for the Confederate Government to be able to prolong the conflict. The Union success depended on the destruction of these towns to end the war and the South?s hopes to prolong it.

THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR:

PART I

A blow to the Heart of Dixie!

Dec. 27, 2005

By January of 1865, Confederate leaders had begun to accept the circumstances under which they were operating the war. Atlanta had fallen on September 3, 1864, and General W.T. Sherman's "march to the sea" had wreaked havoc throughout northeastern Georgia. Also, on September 22 in the same year, General Phil Sheridan had defeated Confederate General Jubal Early's cavalry forces in the Shenandoah Valley, and had initiated his own campaign of destruction in the Shenandoah Valley region. These two events were the one- two punch that sent the Confederacy reeling, while General Grant was to throw the knock out blow to CSA General Lee?s Army of North Virginia at Petersburg; but bitter cold of old man winter forced Grant to postpone his attack till spring.

General Lee's army had been drained by the months of fighting that had led from the wilderness to the entrenchment?s around Petersburg, and his remaining stores of supplies were hopelessly low. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis held a conference in early March, 1865 during which Lee informed Davis that the fall of Petersburg was inevitable. Davis relates in his book, RISE AND FALL OF THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT, that although the fall of Petersburg, and consequently Richmond, would be embarrassing, it would not be as significant as it could have been had it happened earlier in the war. During the early years of the war Richmond had been the primary location of the manufacture and repair of Confederate arms. However at this time in the war several new locations in the "Industrial South" had removed the importance of Richmond in the manufacture of arms; due to construction of factories in Augusta, Selma, Fayetteville, and other areas (Columbus being one of these.) Although, this is not to say that Davis made light of the capital city of the Confederacy; it?s symbolic significance went without question!

Though events had taken a turn for the worse, Davis remained determined that the cause was not lost. Davis? optimism was based on the fact that the Confederacy " still had effective armies in the field, and a vast extent of rich and productive territory both east and west of the Mississippi, whose citizens had evidenced no disposition to surrender.

"In his book, Davis claims to have been trying to obtain better terms for surrender at this point in the war rather than surrender at the Union discretion. Davis had attempted on several occasions to initiate negotiations with the Lincoln's government and each instance had failed. On February 3, 1865 a rather secretive meeting took place between a Confederate commission sent to meet President Lincoln and Secretary of War Seward at Hampton Roads, Virginia. The meeting only resulted in Lincoln's confirmation that no peace could be negotiated without Southern acceptance of emancipation and reunion. This seemed to have strengthened Davis? resolve that the only means to achieve better terms was through continued use of military force.

After General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9,1865, Davis did authorize General Joseph E. Johnston to negotiate terms of surrender with General W.T. Sherman. Davis instructed Johnston that if the terms set forth by the Confederate Government were not accepted, he was to turn his forces down a predetermined route leading southwest, along which supply points would be located. A dim glimmer of hope still existed in the minds of those who severed as the embodiment of the Confederate Soul; resistance still could be offered against the northern enemy! The support of loyal Southerners encouraged President Davis to play out his hand till the last card was thrown on the table.

If Johnston failed in the negotiations with Sherman and headed southwest with his forces, his armies could link up with forces of General?s N.B. Forrest, Richard Taylor, and D. H. Maury somewhere in Alabama or Mississippi. Davis also believed that Johnston?s forces were large enough to defeat any of the Union armies positioned between the Army of Tennessee and the Mississippi River. Davis also felt that the unification of those forces in the Confederate heartland would raise the morale of the country and attract stragglers to rejoin the ranks. Also, the resources in the heartland were abundant, having been relatively unscathed by war. Davis also knew that this contingency plan had also taken into consideration the fact, there were few rivers or railroads that Union forces could use to re-supply themselves. Davis felt this course of action by having the South continue the war until Northern tolerance for bloodshed had vanished. The Confederate would then accept reunification with the North with the provisions that Constitutional rights of the States are upheld as well as security of persons and property guaranteed.

If either of these courses of action were adopted, the "Industrial Heartland" would be paramount in supplying the forces of the Confederacy!

THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR:

PART II Battle of the Heartland

Jan. 08, 2006

The losses to the North of Nashville, Atlanta, and now Richmond, much more significance to the industrial centers located along this region which stretched from eastern Mississippi trough Alabama to central Georgia. Most of the factories that were producing arms, textiles, shoes, flour and other wartime essentials for the South were in the towns situated in this area. The Heart of Dixie!

Unfortunately for the South and Jefferson Davis, Union leaders also begin to recognize the possibilities available to the Confederate Government. In his memoirs, General U.S. Grant confirms that late in the war he was very concerned about the South?s ability to protract the conflict. Grant was very aware of the North?s growing weariness of war, as well as the South?s. However, Grant believed there was one major factor in the South?s political structure, concerning public discontent, which gave the South a distinct advantage over the North. Grant asserts that the entire South was an "armed camp, controlled absolutely by the government, with soldiers to back it." He concludes that the Confederate Government could have continued the war regardless of the magnitude of public discontent; whereas the North, since the people controlled the government, could shut down the Union army at any time simply by cutting off its supplies and money.

General Wilson proposed to deny the Confederates access to resources in the South?s industrial heartland by initiating a devastating raid. Wilson would engage the Rebel forces protecting this region (Lt. General N.B. Forrest?s command), and destroy the industries, armories, and warehouses located along his route.

General Wilson?s orders were very similar to those which Grant had issued to Sherman a year earlier before beginning Sherman?s march on Georgia. Grant?s letter to Sherman, dated April 4, 1864, instructed him to" get into the interior of the enemy?s country as far as you can, inflicting all the damage you can against their resources."

On Sherman's march to the sea, he had decided to destroy everything in his path, all food supplies both military and civilian , scatter families of the south like vagabonds in their own land, and undermine the morale of the military forces of the South by causing concern for their families whom had no food or a place for shelter.

Gen. Wilson's methods were a bit less harsh than those of Sherman. At the outset of his expedition Wilson issued strict orders prohibiting pillaging. However, the principal object of his expedition was to destroy everything of military value that his command came across. Also, his corps was to sustain itself by foraging and appropriating food from the countryside. This lead to some confusion in the ranks as to what forms of personal property were to be spared; in some cases Wilson?s orders were just simply ignored. Wilson wrote in his biography a response to some concerns to his orders on no pillaging " Some of the marauders and desperadoes who always find place in modern armies doubtless took part in plundering the stores and occasionally breaking into private houses, but all such work was ruthlessly and promptly stopped as soon as it became known". Nevertheless, Wilson?s orders were to destroy the South?s capacity to supply itself and by the destruction which he left in his wake permits no questioning of his pursuit of that objective.

On Feb. 14, 1865, Gen. George Thomas was instructed by Gen. U. S. Grant to prepare to initiate a drive south through Alabama. In the orders, Gen. Grant assigned three objectives. "(1) Attack as much of the enemy?s forces to insure success to Gen. Canby in Mobile. (2) Destroy the enemy's lines of communications and military resources. (3) Destroy or capture enemy forces brought into the field. Tuscaloosa and Selma probably would be the points to direct against. This however, would not be so important as the mere fact of penetrating deep into Alabama. Discretion should be left with the officer commanding the expedition as to where to go, according to the information he may receive, he will best secure the objects named above. Now that your forces have been so much depleted I do not know what number of men you can put into the field. If not more than 5,000 men, however, all cavalry, I think it will be sufficient."

On Feb. 22, 1865, Gen. Thomas met with Gen. Wilson at Eastport, Mississippi to discuss the mission and receive his orders. Gen. Thomas had planed to strike Selma and Tuscaloosa with a force of only 5,000- 6,000 men in support of Gen. Canby's operation. At this time Wilson alleges that he convinced Thomas to permit him to take his entire force. Wilson had long believed that the cavalry was not being used to it full potential. They had in most cases been used to form small elements in support of the infantry; supporting protection to the front, rear and flank and an occasional raid of supply lines and railroads. Wilson felt the cavalry could be better used in battle with more success. He was one of several commanders who had come to appreciate the potential of using cavalry as a form of ?mounted infantry?. This would allow use of their mounts to transport them quickly to the site of battle; one there they would dismount, leave their horses a safe distance away, and then proceed to battle lines on foot. This method offered several advantages over fighting on horseback Leaving the horses in areas behind battle lines, protected the horses from death or injury (procurement of new trained horses were next to impossible in battle zones), horses were rested and ready for the next advance or retreat. Also cavalrymen offered a smaller silhouette to fire on when dismounted. This advantage was important now with the use of long rifled firearms. By the way, Confederate Gen. N.B. Forrest was particularly successful in using cavalry in this way. In fact, this method of fighting is one of the primary reasons that he became, arguably, the South?s best cavalry commander of the war.

Wilson moved his forces south to Alabama where he set up two training camps on the north bank of the Tennessee River to prepare for the campaign. Unfortunately for Wilson and his troops, the area became saturated in late February by non-stop deluge of rain just as he was preparing to begin his movement south. Gen. Grant began impatiently pressing both Wilson and Thomas to get the operation underway, there was little that could be done. According to Gen. Wilson's correspondence with Gen. Whipple (Thomas? chief of staff), written on Feb. 28,1865, the Tennessee River had "risen 30ft. in 4 days." No crossing could be made. The forces would not move till March 22,1865.

Shortly after arriving in Alabama, Wilson learned that Forrest was the commander of the forces occupying the region in which he was going to be raiding. The significance of Gen. Forrest presence was respected by all. Wilson?s commanding officer, Sherman, considered Forrest to be superior of any Union cavalryman, and Grant had come to respect his abilities during the campaign against Vicksburg. Forrest had been assigned commander of all mounted forces in east Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama on January 24,1865. He reorganized the entire command, and attempted to refit it with what few supplies he could muster. His forces were clearly outnumbered, having approximately only 10,000 men in his entire command, as compared to Wilson?s 13,000 men. To make matters worse, at no time during Forrest?s efforts to defend the area would he have all of his forces available together at the same time. His strongest showing was 3,000-4,000 men at one time. However, Forrest was well known "for being able to get the most out of the least."Wilson was racing against time to get a jump on Forrest.

Wilson knew that the rivers and streams of the area would prove difficult to cross due to the heavy rains. On March 27,1865 Forrest forces under Chaimers we reported marching toward Selma. Wilson knew it was imperative to cross both the Cahaba and Black Warrior rivers before Forrest could counter him. Wilson did so successfully, with one trooper lost drowned while crossing the Black Warrior.

Union forces arrived at the village of Elyton (present day Birmingham) on March 29, 1865, and destroyed the Mclvain and Red Mountain Ironworks. The morning of the 31st forces reached Montevallo and destroyed the Columbia, Bibb, and Central Ironworks. That same night Wilson orders Croxton?s brigade to Tuscaloosa to "destroy the bridge over the Cahaba River, factories, mills, university, and whatever else might be of value to the Rebel cause." The destruction which would characterize the "Wilson's Raiders" was beginning to take shape!

Just outside Montevallo, Wilson?s pickets (no pun intended) reported that the Confederates were moving forward to attack.

THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR:

Part III - Surgery to the Heart of Dixie!

Jan. 15, 2006

Gen. Wilson and his men begin to prepare for the battle with the advancing Confederate forces under the leadership of the revered and feared General Forrest. Wilson cited this occasion in rather eloquent terms: "?just as we were advancing (from Montevallo) we discovered the enemy on the Selma Road beyond the first field, with dense woods behind. Simultaneously our pickets reported him moving forward to the attack. As it turned out, Forrest was in our front. We were face to face at last."

This first meeting of the two commanders turned out to be a relatively brief engagement, that ended with Forrest?s small forces falling back toward Selma.

By a stroke of luck, Wilson's forces captured a courier who had three separate dispatches on his person which outlined the positions and sizes of Forrest?s forces. The dispatches indicated that the Confederate forces were widely dispersed, and this prompted Wilson to rationalize that by pushing on to Selma as quickly as possible he could be in Selma before Forrest?s forces could be consolidated to offer a strong defense. Wilson?s forces move on toward Selma.

The next resistance Wilson?s troops encountered was at Ebenezer Church on the afternoon of April 1, 1865. Here, Forrest had a strong position on the north bank of Bolger?s Creek, but his inadequate number of men permitted him to hold this spot for only a brief time. Nevertheless, the Rebels fought fiercely to maintain their position. The fighting became so intense that most were fighting hand-to-hand! Forrest was wounded during this action as Union Captain James Taylor slashed his arm with a sword (Forrest then shot and killed him with a revolver.) That evening, after the position could no longer be maintained, Confederate troops were compelled to retreat to Selma.

The defensive works, which protected Selma, were well built. In Wilson's report he describes a portion of the works assaulted: " Height of the parapet, six to eight feet, thickness, eight feet; depth of ditch, five feet wide, from ten to fifteen feet; height of stockade on the glacis, five feet; sunk into the earth, four feet. The ground over which the troops advanced is an open field? The distance which the troops charged, exposed to enemy's fire of artillery and musketry, 600 yards."

The flanks were anchored in the Alabama River, rendering it a very secure position. If Forrest would have had the troops to adequately man the works it would have been extremely difficult for the Union to take. Since he did not, he put up the best fight that his scant forces could offer, but was forced to abandon the city by dark. After the battle was over the union forces counted 40 killed, 260 wounded, and 7 missing. Confederate killed and wounded are not recorded, but Wilson estimates in his book that they were significantly lower than his own; Wilson does record having taken 2,700 prisoners. The loss of Selma on April 2, 1865 was a major blow to the Confederacy's plans for being able to continue the war effort. But, there remains hope as long as the industries in Columbus continue to function!

After a week of rest, Wilson's troops began moving towards Montgomery. Wilson believed that the symbolic significance of the " first capital of the Confederacy" meant that it would be strongly fortified and defended. As it turned out, the Confederate leadership had determined it to be more important to the war-effort to consolidate all available forces in the region of Columbus. There, forces could defend the industries, arsenals, naval yard, and stores that now so vital to the Confederate cause. Columbus was second only to Richmond in its production of war related supplies for the Confederacy. Consequently, Montgomery was surrendered on April 12, 1865; without a shot being fired! On the day before Wilson had been informed that Richmond had fell and its surrender was soon to come. At Montgomery Wilson's troops burned foundries and factories that could be used in the aid of the expiring rebellion. To prevent any looting of homes Wilson gave even stronger orders against looting and forbid a soldier from entering a house unless accompanied by a commissioned officer.

With the heart of Dixie beating ever slower with the loss of Alabama industry and Gen. Forrest?s manpower draining down; Columbus and the "Chattahoochee Valley" are all that's left to help supply a prolonged war for the South. LOOK OUT COLUMBUS " The Yankee's are Coming!"

THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR: Final Chapter

PART IV:

GIRARD/COLUMBUS- Last Battle of the Heartland!

Jan. 29, 2006

Wilson's troops left Montgomery on their way toward Columbus Georgia. Still unsure of what resistance by the Confederates might be waiting ahead they quickly traveled on. Besides a heavy downpour of rain on April 14th and several skirmishes with small groups of Confederates along the way, the short journey was an easy one.

In order to get to Georgia the Union Cavalry would first have to get across the Chattahoochee River, Wilson intended to do so at Girard because there the river had two bridges into Columbus. Also, Wilson had sent one brigade under Brigadier General LaGrange to West Point to secure the bridge there in case the Union was unsuccessful crossing the river at Columbus.

Columbus? importance to the South was two-fold: First, it was a major railroad and shipping center. Second, it was a major industrial center. It?s five large factories produced rifles, cannons, cotton and woolen clothes, shoes and knapsacks. In addition there were several small shops, an arsenal, storage depot, and a naval yard.

Unknown to most at that time; Columbus was one of the last industrial centers left in the industrial heartland of the South.

Union forces began to arrive near Girard (present day Phenix City) on the afternoon of April 16th 1865. Maj. General Emory Upton?s division was the lead element and would be the spearhead of the up-coming assault. Union Commanders quickly realized that the task at hand would be a large one. The bridges were strongly defended by fortifications and earthworks, and these were covered by cannon fire.

In charge of the Confederate defenses were Major General Howell Cobb, Colonel Leon Toll Von Zinken (Post Commandant of Columbus who helped organize and lead the Confederate troops who fought in the battle), and General Abraham Buford (Who commanded a small cavalry force which skirmished with the Union Troops as they approached Girard and then helped command some of the Alabama Reserve units during the battle).

Major General Cobb was over-all Commander of the Georgia State Troops and had worked tirelessly since assuming that position to shore up the defenses of Columbus. Cobb had convinced the city council to finance the strengthening of the fortifications in Girard that protected the city from invasion on its western route.

The fortification at Girard / Columbus were at least as strong, perhaps stronger than those found at Selma, Alabama.

In charge of the Union Troops : Major James H. Wilson in Command of Wilson?s Raiders, Major General Emory Upton in command of 4th Division of Wilson?s Cavalry (to him fell the responsibility of capturing Columbus.), Brigadier General Andrew J. Alexander ( lead the charge on the lower "Dillingham St." bridge on the river.), Brigadier General Edward F. Winslow (fought valiantly in the darkness leading his troops.).

Easter Sunday April 16th 1865 "The Last Battle of the Civil War Begins!" with good planning and effort giving way to blind luck and confusion on both sides.

Crawford Ala.: General Buford CSA and his small cavalry await General Upton, General Alexander, and General Winslow as they are making their way toward Columbus. He attacks as soon as he has them in range; then his men mount and ride away. He repeats these attacks and causes Upton and his union troops to follow Alexander?s cavalry as they skirmish. This leads the Union to move further south than Gen. Cobb CSA wanted as they went just south of the fort where Rebel cannons awaited them. Cobb being short in manpower (2700 troops and 27 artillery pieces on hand) he had not manned the fort on Opelika?Girard Road. This factor and the unmanned Fort will come back and haunt Gen. Cobb again. Remember that Cobb had reinforced the Western fortifications of the city. Gen. Upton and his men at mid-afternoon are on a hill near the fort on Sandfort Road looking over the defenses of the south bridge into Columbus.

Gen. Upton decided to have Gen. Alexander?s cavalry line up in columns of four and attack the bridge. The attack began. Charging down the hill toward the dark covered bridge, things started not to look right as the Confederates stood their ground on the Georgia side not firing a shot. The battlefield was so quiet Gen. Upton began to speak saying "this is like Montgomery, Columbus will be ours with out a shot being fired." About this time the lead horseman yelled halt! The troops began to dismount and assemble on the street; far they had seen trough the tunnel of the covered bridge cannons aimed back at them and flooring missing on the bridge. It was indeed a setup! Cannon fire was then heard and artillery began to land around them just west of the bridge. Just as suddenly the hilltop in Girard where Winslow and Upton were viewing the bridge began to be hit by artillery killing a horse. The cannons on the bridge fired and the flash set the bridge on fire as it too was wet down with cotton soaked in turpentine. It all was a trap only the Union troops didn't?t storm the bridge or they would have been burned to death or fell to their death in the rocks below. The cannon fire from the north came from a hill just up from the other bridge. This hill is now where the Russell County Courthouse sits today. A four-gun fort was there with breastworks for riflemen and mill creek (now Holland Creek) and its deep gorge made an attack from Girard impossible. Gen. Upton ordered Gen. Winslow to retreat behind the hills and move north to the Salem- Opelika Road (south railroad St.) and hide and wait for next orders. Winslow and his troops make the trip north, behind the hills, in the area of the unmanned fort; along what is now 280 bypass. He then goes east near the Hwy 80-east turnoff, crossing mill creek toward the river trough what is now called Old Pumpkin Bottom near 28th street and 16th Ave. near Summerville Rd.

General Upton and General Alexander had began to go north to meet General Winslow after they felt he had made the trip successfully. As they reached the area they were to meet him; Winslow and his men were nowhere to be found. It seems Winslow and his men while looking at the map mistook Summerville Road as the Opelika Road and went to Far East. As scouts looked for them Winslow?s men were resting in the woods and waiting for word from Upton. To make matters worse General Wilson had broke away from General LaGrange near Opelika and headed South to Columbus; as he got near ran up on General Winslow and his men so now scouts from all the Union Divisions are looking for each other. They do get together again and Winslow and Upton begin to argue about who was wrong and the lost time because it is now dark. No Moon at All!

While all this was going on, General Wilson had sent out his Scouts to find the enemy positions between them and the last wagon bridge to Columbus. Upton appealed to Wilson, after giving him his report on earlier activity, to do a night attack on the bridge. After hearing his scouts report, Wilson agreed. The battle was back on!

8:00pm General Upton had his troops in place to begin their attack on the fortification covering the remaining bridge. His troops were ready and a short distance from the enemy. The Rebel?s opened heavy fire with musketry and the four-gun battery began throwing canister and grapes. With Generals Upton and Winslow in person directing the movement; the troops dashed forward opened a withering fire from their Spencers, pushed through a slashing abatis, pressed the Rebel line back to their out-works. Upton sent two companies to follow up the success of the dismounted men and get possession of the bridge. They passed through the inner line of the works, and under the cover of darkness, before the Rebels knew it, had reached the bridge into Columbus. In Wilson?s words "as soon as everything could be got up to the position occupied by the dismounted men, General Uptown pressed forward again, swept away all opposition, took possession of the foot and railroad bridges, and stationed guards throughout the city. 1200 prisoners, 52 field guns, a large quantities of arms and stores fell into our hands. Our loss was only 24 killed and wounded.

The fighting on the Alabama side of the bridge became so intense that the Northern and Southern soldiers were intermixed in hand- to- hand fighting. When the Rebels began falling back across the bridge the Yankees crossed with them. This prevented the Rebels on the Columbus side from being able to set fire to the bridge. In the darkness of that Easter night the cannons on the Georgia side of the bridge could not fire as they could not tell friend from foe! At one point in Girard the Northern cavalry was allowed through the lines by the South as they were thought to be Southern Troops due in as requested to increase manpower. It shocked the Northern Cavalry so much when they discovered they were behind the lines they made their retreat back unknowingly to the confused Southerners.

Around 600 Rebels managed to escape, including General Cobb, and headed to Macon. Panic, chaos, and fear took over the citizens and soldiers of Columbus that were left behind. Upon entering Columbus, Wilson gave General Winslow command of the city and ordered all stores, railroad transportation, gunboats, factories, armories, arsenals, and workshops to be destroyed. On April 17th 1865, Wilson continued the march eastward toward Macon. Once there General Cobb CSA advised General Wilson that the war was indeed over.

This made Columbus the Last Battle of the Civil War. *******************************************************

MOUNTAIN MUSIC LIVE N THE MOUNTAINS

Last weekend at FDR State Park, June 18, 2005, at 7 PM; my self, my Daughter and Sandra Doolittle got a $2.00 Park Pass and entered the gates at Lake Delano Campgrounds . I had seen an ad in the EMC power magazine stating events happening in Georgia, when and where state wide.

Bluegrass and Gospel Music to be performed at the amphitheater behind the Dam at Lake Delano By Wildwood Bluegrass.

We arrived at 7 pm ,drove trough the campgrounds filled with campers many sitting around an open camp fire having dinner, others fishing along the beautiful banks of the lake. I was amazed at the number of campers there. They smiled and waved as cars drove by on the way to the amphitheater. The rustic theater was built in the wood under tall pines with a view of the lake. It had a semicircle of cut log benches made from logs so big and old that you can't find trees that big anymore. People were starting to be seated on the benches or chairs they brought with them; It was time to start our fantastic evening back in time and history.

As the music begains to float from the 5 piece string band trough the tall trees of Pine Mountain, I begain to think just 2 miles west is the hussle and bussle of down town Pine Mountain and Callaway Gardens, and I am sitting in a very beautiful undisturbed mountian side listening to old style pickin and singing of some of the most beautiful gospel and bluegrass I have ever heard, live in the mountians from which its beginings came.

Appalachian Bluegrass in the Appalachian Foothills of Pine Mountian Range; 30 miles from Columbus on a Saturday night for two bucks a car load! Here in Pine Mountain, Harris County. What a deal!!

"Wildwood Bluegrass" band I find out after a great evening of music hale from Columbus ,Ga. They play at nursing homes, churches, Westville and other civic groups. They played at FDR State Park for what ever donations they get in the jar to help cover expences. They are a group of god fearing music lovers , preserving old time gospel and bluegrass music for future generations, and they do it well. Members at the singing were : Lomax Austin (14 years in group) on fiddle,

Bobby Tefft ( 9 years ) guitar, Robert Earl Lowery (1 year) banjo, Dean George (10 years) mandolin, Jackie Jones ( ) bass fiddle. Other members play with them as time allows as most have real jobs. The phone number is 706-563-8822.

I am adding to my site a section called happenings so in the near future I will put out information on events in Harris County area that most miss because they don't here about it trough normal area news. I hope it brings you joy to visit them!

Thanks Ron Rollins *******************************************************

FROM SMALL TOWN BOY TO FOUNDER OF A FORTUNE 500 COMPANY

For years I have traveled outside Harris County into small old towns that have met the same fate of change as Whitesville the City. One such place at the crossroads of Ga. Hwy 18 and Ga. Hwy 27A in Meriwether County was Harris City. Just 10 miles North of Harris County and South of the County Seat of Greenville at a crossroads of both Rail Road and busy highways just North of Warm Springs. At this location still today are the ruins of a large hand cut rock building near the Railroad crossing ,with the old safe still visible. This store was the location of a General Store owned by George W, Jenkins, Sr. and built in 1906 to replace the wood frame building the business was in during 1898.

At this time Harris City had about 200 residents. In 1907 George, Sr. and his wife Annie Snelson Jenkins had their son Junior, named after his Father. The business did well and prospered till in the early 1920 when the King died! By King I mean King Cotton; as all southen farm areas in the south, The Boll Weavil began to ravage the cotton crops and economics failed for farmers and businessmen alike. It was pure disaster for Jenkins General Store. George, Sr. went to the big city of Atlanta to start a small Grocery Store. He left the family in Harris City for two years, during this time George, Jr. finished high school in Greenville. He set out after high school at the age of 17, to seek his fortune in Florida.

In 5 years time George W. Jenkins ,Jr. began to operate the first Publix Food Store in Winter Haven, Florida; the start of a long line of Grand Openings that spelled the firms sucess.Today, Publix Supermarkets is a Fortune 500 company and is the largest employee owned Supermarket chain in the United States, it employs 119,500 workers. From humble beginnings in Harris City, George w. Jenkins, Jr. founded one of America's great success stories.

He was once asked,"If you hadn't given away so much, how much do you think you would be worth today?" he responded without hesitation," Probably nothing". So the next time you are driving through any area with a wide spot in the road, think about what was there and what effect did this have on the lives we have today. You might be surprised! That tumbled down old building may be part of the foundation of a life changing structure.

Source: www. publix.com , The Heritage of Meriwether County.

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WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT ALWAYS ALL THERE IS TO SEE!

Back in early April as my Search Team, ( Jan Page, Sandra Doolittle and Myself) were out looking for more historical subjects in Harris County. We were talking about how most people see things in front of them and don't really see what it may have been or is. I told them I remember a house in Durand that while being torn down a log cabin was discovered built in with the house in perfect condition and no one remembered it was built there. I then told them I thought I knew where another one may be like the one in Durand here in Harris County. We drove to the location at the site on Wright road just south of Lazy K nursery .

It appeared to be an early 1920-style home with a large front porch and parts of the house jutting out from the center large living room. A normal house with timely additions built on over the years as a family expanded, much as we still do today. The home as I knew it belonged to the Moore Family. My only time in the house had been in the early 1970's as I had rode with Pete Moore to the house to pick up a farm implement for the tractor that Pete wanted me to drive that weekend to a field where he was planting in Soy beans near Johnson Island on the Chattahoochee River. This section of land was on part of the now WMA Blanton Creek. Back then it was farmland Pete leased from the Smith family.

Well, the house as my group looked at it that day in April was very run down and as we walked around the grown up yard looking at the falling in section of the house I spotted it! I called the rest of my search party and asked can you see it? For a few minutes no one else did! Look, see where the wood on the outer wall has fallen away; It's a veneer cover to match the rest of the house, look what is behind the wood planks. After a short pause Sandra says, " I see it , I see "! Jan says where? I walk up closer to the wood siding and point at the 12" hand hued logs with their dove tailed corner joints. Large square logs stacked to the pole joice that held the shake-shingled roof. It had a small loft and windows , a plank floor. What we were all now seeing was an original early 1800's Log home as built when the family first settled on this land.

We took pictures to preserve what was left intact as the roof of the improved house that had protected the log house for years was now falling in due to leakage and wood rot. The house had out lived the usefulness of the Moore family and has been empty for years now. The earth is now claming it back. Soon it will be long forgotten. Our feelings were mixed as we stared in wonder

VIEW FROM MY DECK IN WHITESVILLE, GEORGIA.

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Whitesville's Last Jail Escape !

Sometime in 1920

Whitesville was once a thriving little city in the 1800's, with stores, hotels, carriage factories, and stage lines. The town also had a rowdy reputation; as the people traveled trough the town they bought supplies as well as wet their whistle at one of several saloons. So this leads me to believe the town must have also had a jail and peacekeepers.

The story, I will soon tell was told to me while I was cooking bar-b-que for our Fire Department's annual fundraiser. It was early morning with a long day coming ahead. We had sat out by our fires most of the early morning. With me that morning was Mr. John Norfleet, Mr. Ralph Griggs, and Mr. Sherman Norwood. One of the things I loved to do on these occasions was to ask the older residents about what they knew or heard told about old Whitesville. Mr. Griggs and Mr. Norwood were prime candidates for my questions, both of them are older Black men that were raised near here and still live here in Frog Alley off Whitesville St. (I still don't have an answer to the origin of Frog Alley, it's always been called that!)

Here is the story they told--It seems it was a Saturday night and big Bo, a distant cousin, had been drinking shine with some of the boys he cut timber with. Bo and the boys were in Frog Alley having a good old time after work. As the night went on big Bo got more and more rowdy (he likes to fight when drunk); we begin to worry, as his wife don't allow him to drink and he has forgot he should be home. We decided we should fetch Bo and get him to leave the group of now drunks. What can we do with him, we can't take him home in his condition and he will be angry when he realizes he has left the drinking, he is too strong for us to handle. At 6'4" and 285lbs, he is a big young man. We thought a few minutes and remembered a short walk away was the old jail cell. The building wasn't much just a steel bar cage with a wood top and floor. Three sides had bars and one a bar door. It was sitting on a rock foundation like old houses sit on (stacked rock on the 4 corners).

The cell was about 8x8 square and 8ft tall. We put him in the cell and laid him down thinking he will sleep it off and we can get him home in the morning no trouble! We got a lock from home and a blanket for him to sleep on. It was a warm summer night and not far from Ralph's house, if he gets loud Ralph can calm him down. The next morning we got the shock of our lives; the jail and big Bo were gone. We found them down the road near his home. Big Bo had rocked the jail off the rocks, put his legs trough the bars and toted the jail off with him, headed home to the wife he feared and loved.

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MARRIED COUPLE AND CONSORT

Back in the 1980's, I first began to record locations and names of cemeteries in my area of Harris County. I had hunted deer for years on lands from the River to Mountain Top (with owners permission) and had spotted numerous old graveyards in my " walk about's " scouting the land. I knew as time went on most would join the ranks of the lost and forgotten if records of them weren't made. Since, the Internet and GPS most of them are now on Tombstone. There are still a few out there my brain has not rendered back or land marks were changed due to paper company bull dossier, but we will find them again!

As I began to record them, questions began to pop in to my head and to me they must have answers. Here is an of example on questions raised and how to get answers. On one occasion, I had been contacted by a genealogy group in LaGrange , about an inquiry made by a family in Colorado of a couple buried in the Hopewell Church Cemetery. John and Mary Middlebrooks, according to the family Bible, were buried in the 1830's in Harris County. The children of John were listed in the Bible but the Mother was listed as Martha Middlebrooks? I told them I would see if I could fine them.

After looking for them at the two locations I knew of the church existing; an old man I met on Bugg Road told me of the older location he knew about of the church at it's beginning. Sure enough at this location ( off Pole Bridge Rd.) I found the graves.

John and Mary buried with headstones facing east (awaiting the coming of Christ) and at their feet between them was Martha headstone facing west and listed as a consort to John and mother of John's children. What was the reason for this unusual burial? A probable answer was given to me by a Pine Mountain Pastor; here it is.

In the early days of this country we were a melting pot of many religions and cultures. Some of the European religions allowed a non-child bearing marriage to continue but due to need for children the wife picked another woman (usually a sister) to join their lives, to serve as child barrier to the marriage and to serve as a servant to the wife in household duties.

The wife chose when children were needed and how many. The care of the mother was that of the wife; the rearing of the children was the responsibility of all. In the eyes of the early church (a compromise), the family was excepted socially; in the eyes of god not the Christian way. They could worship in the church but at death? Saint Peter would work it out!

The couple was buried facing east to see the coming of Christ. The consort was not, but was buried between the couple she dedicated her life to. They were responsible to reach down when Christ was coming and grab her hands, to rise her up with them to Judgment as they owed her for the faithful service to them and for their children. *******************************************************

THE WILD LIFE IN HARRIS COUNTY,GEORGIA

Back in 1996, some friends came up from Homer, Louisiana. to Harris County to do some deer hunting. This was an annual event; as was the Harris County group of my friends, of going down there for Duck hunting and Red fishing in January. As always something eventful would happen to make the visit memorable.

I had permission to go Bow hunting only on Mr. Paulk's land up near Mountain Top on Pine Mountain Ridge. This area is just outside the State Park on lands that once was part of what was known, in the late 1950's, as Royal Lodge. Historically speaking Royal Lodge was once a hunting preserve of exotic wild animals from around the world owned by Mr. John Amos the AFLAC founder. Mr. Paulk's land was over crowed with deer, that were eating all the plants around his house and garden as well as feed crops he planted for his sheep that he kept on his farm. He allowed me to bring in friends to bow hunt only if I was with them. The perfect place to take the Cajuns opening Saturday of Bow Season!

The Cajuns arrive on Thursday night with their camper. We set up their camp in my back yard and say good night around midnight. Friday they went to town to get Ga. Hunting licenses and supply's. The hunt was on! Friday night we all go across the street to eat at Pine Lake Supper Club. Don the owner talked us into staying a while; play pool, talk and have a few beers as he hadn't seen the Cajuns since last year. We get in bed a 2 o' clock am with plans to leave to setup for hunt at 5am. We leave on time for the mountain and I get everyone to their place to hunt as dawns light is beginning. I tell Fred and Randy that I will go up the slope between them and the Cajuns as day light is coming fast and sit by a bush I saw and not disturb their hunt trying to make my stand location. That I did! ( my real reason was I was dog tired and figured I'll sleep on the slope on a moss patch I knew of; they could hunt, I could sleep and everybody would be happy.)Looks like a plan to me!!

The morning sun breaks and warms me up as I sleep on this quite peaceful mountain; suddenly I am awakened by a loud sound of gravel sliding down the hill. I sit up to see what this is about just in time to duck back down as a large racked buck jumps over me as he charges down the mountain. I realize that when he had jumped me I had hollered out in surprise and scared the buck as bad as he had scared me. Fred and Randy had heard my yell but didn't know what wild critter had made that sound. As they look in that direction they see the buck bound across the brook and come out near Fred. A nice 10 pointer, so Fred takes aim and fires his arrow. Crack was the sound as the arrow sticks in a small tree Fred didn't see just between him and the buck. The deer bounds away unharmed, but now in range for Randy to shoot. He takes aim as the bucks antlers glassine in the sun, crack again as he dead centers a broken pine stump he didn't notice as he sited the deer. Buck Fever, Deer 2-hunters nothing!

I start down the mountain towards Randy and Fred as I can hear them talking and knew their hunt was over. We sit down near the brook on some ferns and the three parts of the story a merged closer to the truth of the events of the morning. Soon we heard and saw the Cajuns coming to our voices. We then all sat around as they told us they too had shot at that same deer early that morning and also had objects they didn't notice block or misdirect their arrows flight. I had been the closer to the deer but the only one that had no shot. They all laughed! As we sat around admiring the mountains picturesque view and eat or snacks from our pockets, Randy began to tell us of a squirrel that since first light had stayed near him all morning, some times as close a 3 ft. and barked at him. He said he finally threw a pine comb a it to run it away, but it kept coming back. It was still by his blind we he came to meet Fred after the deer went trough. I pull a bag of Tom's Peanuts out of my coat pocket and pass them around. I look up on a limb just above us and there is a squirrel calmly watching us. Suddenly it jumps to the ground and run to me and stops at my boots. Everyone stays still as we watch this young squirrel calmly walk down my pants leg and climb in my coat pocket. I froze, but look to the pocket, in awe as this was very unusual . The movement of this squirrel had stopped. I took a chance and looked in the pocket and low and behold it had went to sleep in my pocket. A hunting version of Ray Stevens" Squirrel in the Church" came to mind as I moved around a little and conversation in our group started up again with the main subject being me and the squirrel in my pocket. What If became the lead words of most sentences. I got up and walked, I shook the pocket, we laughed and talked. The most the squirrel ever did was stand up and look out of the pocket and then lay down again and go to sleep. I buttoned the pocket on the coat, got in the truck with Fred to ride home. Nothing bothered it at all, it just slept! Three days later I still have a squirrel in my house sleeping and eating. It was a young adolescent and soon was let go outside in the yard.

Nothing like the wild life in Harris County!

Thanks, Ron *******************************************************

HISTORIAL BUILDINGS IN THE WHITESVILLE,GEORGIA AREA.

The Hadley-Reid-Short House circa 1830?s It started as a two room house With attic as loft bedrooms with a ladder access. In 1840?s two rooms were built on the back of the house, a stairway to the loft bedrooms and cooking area. The rear roof line was changed to cover under one roof.

In 1860?s the Pastor?s apartment was added on the front of the house. It has it?s own entrance from the porch with no direct entrance to the house other than the front porch. Most Pastor?s served several churches and preached a circuit of a church each Sunday once a month.

Builder-owner Joseph James Hadley?s daughter K.T. Hadley married Joseph Andrew Reid in 1889. Their daughter Ellie Reid married Jessie Short. Their son J.B. Short and his wife Barbara now live in the house. They have restored and improved the old house of late leaving and refinishing the old wood interior,doors ,mantels, staircase and floors.

Joseph James Hadley was born in Halifax, NC in 1816 he got the land in the 1827 Ga. Land Lottery. Since then all owners including the present owner are a direct descendent and were born in the house. J.B. and Barbara have the original Lottery Deed to Joseph James Hadley!

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Historic Midway Baptist Church Mountain Creek Baptist Church Harris County, Ga. (1829-1856) This church was constituted on 20 Feb. 1829 at a meeting in the home of J. W. Cooper and agreed to hold meetings in an existing building on lot 282, north side of the Mill near Mountain Creek.

On 25 March 1836 the church reported to its members that it had been invited to move to Whitesville, but decided to erect its meeting house on its existing lot. The move to Whitesville did not take place until nearly two decades later, on 25 August 1856.

A noted member of Mountain Creek Church in 1856 was B. F. White of Sacred Harp song book fame. In 1857 the church began as Whitesville Baptist Church. In 1921 the church moved to it's present location and began as Midway Baptist Church and is still thriving today.

ROSENWALD SCHOOLS

The Rosenwald School building program was established to improve the public education of African Americans in the rural south. Julius Rosenwald was the President of the Sears and Roebuck Company in Chicago. Booker T washington in 1912, gained permission from MR Rosenwald to use some of the money donated to Tuskegee to build six rural schools in Alabama. These schools were built and opened in 1913 and 1914 .In 1917 the Julius Rosenwald Fund was set up and located at Tuskegee. When these schools were built there was a real need for adequate structures and supplies for the edcation of rural black students. The schools that they had used were substandard. They often used Churches, Lodge Halls and other buildings.

In 1912 Booker T Washington found that there was $2,800 dollars left over from a grant given by MR Rosenwald. This money was used to construct the first 6 schools. All were located in Alabama. $30,000 was given in 1914 for the construction of 100 more schools, then in 1916 money was given for the construction of 200 more . By 1932 almost 5,000 Rosenwald Schools had been built in many states.

In 1920 the operation of the building program was moved from Tuskegee to Nashville, TN. It had outgrown and overwhelmed the small Tuskegee staff. Certain criteria had to be met for a school to be constructed. Funds had to be matched and support from the school systems had to be gained.There were several different building plans drawn up for the schools. They varied in shape and size. There were five urban Industrial High Schools constructed. One being Spencer High School here in Columbus.

Julius Rosenwald died in 1932. The last Rosenwald School was built in 1936 or 1937 in Warm Springs Georgia. It was built at the Request of President Roosevelt and named the Eleanor Roosevelt School. Many of the Schools operated until the 1954 Supreme Court ruling on segregation took effect and schools were integrated in the 1960's. Many, maybe even most of the Rosenwald schools have been lost to neglect or destruction. Some are still around and now serve other purposes. I will try and find and photograph as many of the schools as I can. Even if the school is gone, I wiil try and show it's location. Please visit the Rosenwald School Iniative web site. It has so much more information on this. It also has the different building plans for the schools.

Rosenwald School between Tuskegee and Notasulga

This Rosenwald is located between Tuskegee and Notasulga in Alabama. It is believed to be the first or one of the first Rosenwalds built. This would put the School as being built around 1912 or 1913.

Durand Georgia Rosenwald School

Durand, Georgia is located not far from Pine Mountain, in Meriwether County. There is nothing left of this Rosenwald. But, this was the location from what I was told by several locals. It sat next to the Church which is still standing.

Spencer High School Columbus, Georgia

This is the original location of Spencer High School. There were only 4 Rosenwalds built as urban High Schools. Columbus should be proud of this distinction as most towns did not have them. I contacted the Principal of Spencer last year and asked her if Spencer was a Rosenwald. She told me it was not. I later found out from a history book and the plaque in front of the old building that indeed Spencer was a Rosenwald. It was part of Lumus Industries at one time and is now the property of the Waggoners, a trucking company. I guess we should be glad it has not been demolished!

Rosenwald in Manchester, Georgia

This Rosenwald is located in Manchester Georgia. It is on J D Parham Rd. I will try and find out more about it. It is being used, which is a good thing!

Eleanor Roosevelt School Warm Springs, Georgia

Eleanor Roosevelt School was the last Rosenwald to be built. It is located in Warm Springs Georgia. It was built at the request of President Roosevelt. The school was built or dedicated in 1936. There are hopes or plans that it will be turned into a museum. I do hope and Pray that they will!