Confederate Battery State Historical Marker

Located on Horton Rd., Jekyll Island, Ga.

 

 

(Text)

 

CONFEDERATE BATTERY

 

In 1861, Confederate battery positions on Jekyll Island were

equipped with one 42-pounder gun and four 32-pounder navy

guns en barbette, each having about 60 rounds of shot and shell.

Casemates, hot shot furnace and magazines are recorded, also.

Of greater strength than batteries on St. Simons Island, the

earthworks of palmetto logs, heavy timber, sandbags, and rail-

road irons were mounted for the protection of Brunswick.

 

February 10, 1862, Gen. Robert e. Lee requested permission

from Gov. Joseph E. Brown to dismantle the stronghold as "the

inhabitants of the island and Brunswick have removed themselves

and property" to inland points. Maj. Edward C. Anderson re-

moved the guns, sending them to Savannah.

 

March 9, 1862, Lt. Miller of the USS Mohican landed a rifle

company and marines, hoisting the Union flag over the island.

 

In January, 1863, to strengthen fortifications at Port Royal,

S.C., a Federal force was sent by flatboat to seize the railroad

irons. Some of the men who had helped build the defenses guided

the detachment to them and "the men enjoyed demolishing them

far more than they had relished their construction."

 

063-38 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1959

 

 

Photo: Ed Jackson

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