Talking About Old Fort Jackson, Savannah-- Part 1: Was It Named After Andrew or Stonewall?

 From the May 18, 2022, Bluffton, Today (S.C.) "Harrell:  Sit on the Shore and watch the boats go by" by Annelore Harrell.

She lives on the north side of the Savannah River, her friend lives on the south side of it.  They wanted to get together so settled on this old fort located in the middle between them.

This fort was not named after Stonewall Jackson or even Andrew Jackson .  The fort in question was named after  James Jackson.  Who?

James Jackson came from Devonshire, England, in 1722 and studied law and became an avid Patriot for independence and involved in the American Revolution.  He had quite the temper and was an expert with the sword.  He also got involved in the political world and had more "than one brouhaha, most notably the Yazoo land deal."

James Jackson was governor of Georgia, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as well as quite a war hero.  Admiring citizens  of Georgia gifted him a house near Reynolds Square in Savannah.

I Always Thought It Was Named for Andrew Jackson.  --Brock-Perry

Southwest Georgia Played Key Role in War of 1812-- Part 3: Forts, Fort Mims, Battle of Horseshoe Bend and Negro Fort

Not only was a trail hewed from the Wilderness, but Gen. David Blackshear also built a series of forts along that trail:  Fort Telfair, Fort Twiggs, Fort Jackson, Fort Pike, Fort Mitchell, Fort Green Fort Lawrence, Fort Adams, Fort Clark and Fort McIntosh.

Other forts in the region included  Fort Gaines, Fort Mitchel, Fort Morgan and Fort Scott.

Military action in the region began on August 30, 1813, when a war party of Creek Indians under Spanish and English influence, attacked  Fort Mims in what is now in Alabama and 500  mostly white settlers were killed.  In retaliation, Gen. Andrew Jackson would lead his Tennessee volunteers with the aid of Cherokee warriors, killing around  800 Creeks in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

Another battle of note which highlighted the alliances formed during the War of 1812 would take place on the Apalachicola River at a fortification called British Fort, but more commonly known as Negro Fort.  There, the British enlisted runaway slaves and Indians to harass the white settlers of the region.

--Brock-Perry

Southwest Georgia Played a Key Role in the War-- Part 2: The Blackshear Trail and Andrew Jackson

Much of the defense of Georgia's south border fell to General David Blackshear, who was instructed to construct a series of  fortifications for that purpose.  Blackshear, like many who fought in the War of 1812, had gained military experience during the American Revolution.  He had been at an early engagement of that war at Moore's Creek Bridge in North Carolina.

After the war, he became a surveyor, moving to Springfield in Laurens County, Georgia, settling on a land grant he received for his Revolution service. 

After war was declared in June 18, 1812, he returned to military service and was authorized to construct 11 forts along Georgia's southern and western borders.

The first clue to this effort he made can be found on a Georgia historical marker on Highway 300 in  Crisp County.  It reads:  "Blackshear Trail. made by General David Blackshear during the War of 1812, was used by General Andrew Jackson when he led  his troops from Fort Hawkins, near Macon,  through Hartford, now Hawkinsville, to Fort Early in 1818.

"The section was roadless except for this and a few Indian trails.  General Jackson used it in his campaign against the Seminole and Creek Indians.  The Battle of Skin Cypress Pond was fought on the Blackshear Trail.  During the battle, three  U.S. soldiers and a number if Indians were killed.

"They were buried at the site in unmarked graves."

--Brock-Perry

Southwest Georgia Played a Key Role in the War of 1812-- Part 1: The Causes of the War

 From the September 7, 2021, Albany (Georgia) Herald by Tom Seegmueller.

Sometimes referred to as America's Second War for Independence, the War of 1812 was fought against Britain and its Canadian and Indian allies.  Many Americans know about the battles along the country's northern borders, the iconic naval battles, the burning of the White House, Battle of Fort McHenry and Andrew Jackson victory at the Battle of New Orleans (after the war was over).

One of the primary reasons often cited as a reason for the war was the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, estimated to have been as high as 15,000.

There is also proof that the British were stirring up the Indians, who were increasingly fearful of American encroachment on their lands.

Florida was under Spanish control at the time and that too was a threat to the U.S., especially in the state of Georgia.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Sailor Receives Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

From the January 13, 2021, Boston Globe "Seaman aboard USS Constitution earns achievement  medal from Secretary of the Navy" by Charlie McKenna.

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite awarded seaman Jaida Williams with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal aboard the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat which fought in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812.  It was on active duty 1797 to 1855.

During normal operations, active duty sailors stationed aboard the ship provide free tours and offer public visitation to over 600,000 people a year.  The ship supports its mission of  promoting the U.S. Navy's history and maritime heritage as well as  raising awareness of the importance of continued naval presence.

The USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and either captured or destroyed 33 enemy ships.

Jaida Williams is a Macon, Georgia, native and has served in the Navy for two years.

I'd Even Join the Navy at My Advanced Age If I Could Serve On This Ship.  --Brock-Perry

Did You Ever Wonder About Fort Worth, Texas?

On 1941, New York City restored the monument.  In 1995, the monument again underwent  an extensive restoration funded mainly by the Paul and Klara Porzelt Foundation and  U.S. Navy Commander (ret)  James A. Woodruff Jr.. Worth's great-great grandson.

He and his family have endowed  the maintenance of the monument and surrounding planting bed, through the Municipal Art Society's Adopt-A-Monument program.

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The cities of Fort Worth and Lake Worth in Texas are named after him.  Also the villages of Worth in Illinois and Worth in Kentucky.

Worth County in Georgia and Iowa are named after him.

The famed Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, is named for the general as well.

Enough Said.  --Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook-- Part 4: Lived Until 1863

He served in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1806, 1807 and 1822 and the Georgia Senate 11810-1814 (during the War of 1812), 1823 and 1824.  Elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives of the 14th U.S. Congress to fill the vacancy following the resignation of Alfred Cuthbert.  Reelected to the 15th Congress and served 1816-1819.

Retired from public life and lived on his plantation and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1863.  It would have been interesting to see what he thought about Georgia's secession and the Civil War since he lived until 1863.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook-- Part 3: Public Service and Militia

From Find-A Grave.

Born 18 February 1769 in Virginia.  Died 3 August 1863 in Athens, Georgia.  Buried at Jackson Family Cemetery in Watkinsville, Oconee County, Georgia.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia in an at-large seat.

One of the first white settlers in Clarke County, Georgia.  Was a self-educated man.

Ensign in the Washington County Militia in 1793 and captain of the Eleventh Company Hancock County militia.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook, Georgia War of 1812 Veteran-- Part 2

On August 30, 1805, he bought 449 acres of land on Barbers Creek for $2,500 ($5.57 per acre).  On October 21, 1807, he bought another 4,000 acres for$300.

Zardoc Cook was an ensign in the Washington County Militia in 1793 and captain of Eleventh Company, Hancock County Militia in 1796.

Public service included the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate.  He was elected to the 14th U.S. Congress to fill out a vacancy.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook, War of 1812 Georgia Veteran-- Part 1: Zadock or Zardoc?

From the November 8, 2017, Oconee Enterprise  "Descendant of War of 1812 veteran dedicates the homestead" Michael Prochaska.

Zardoc Cook, the 4th great grandfather of Joyce Lambeit was the veteran in question.  Lambeit belongs to the General John Baytop Scott Chapter U.S. Daughters which had the ceremony.  A historical marker will be put up at Cook's house.

Zadoc Cook was born February 18, 1769, in Halifax County, North Carolina, and died at age 96 on August 3, 1863, in Clarke County, now Oconee County, Georgia.

Upon further research on him, I have come across some confusion as to whether his first name is spelled Zadoc, Zardoc or Zardock.

--Brock-Perry

Charles Rinaldo Floyd-- Part 2: Served in USMC

Next, he received a commission in the USMC as a lieutenant, but in 1820, was arrested for caning a  naval store keeper.  For this, he was tried and suspended from duty for twelve months but with full pay.

In 1824 he served as the commander of the Marine Honor Guard charged with protecting the Marquis de Lafayette in New York City and his tour of the United States.

He also served in the Second Seminole War and the Okefenokee.

He was appointed a brigadier general in the Georgia militia on October 1838 and ordered to chase the Seminoles into the Okefenokee swamp in Georgia.

Death came March 22, 1845.

--Brock-Perry

Georgia's John Floyd-- Part 3: The Battle of Autossee

General John Floyd was ordered to take command of the federal troops assembling at Camp Hope on the Ocmulgee River.  They constructed forts in a defensive line along the federal Road from the Ocmulgee River to the Alabama River.  Fort Mitchell was erected on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River.

In November 1813,  Floyd was on the offensive and fought at the Battle of Autossee on the east bank of the Talapoosa River   It was the site of one of the most populous Creek towns.

Floyd planned to attack at daybreak and encircle the town.  His scouts discovered a second town and Floyd had to divide his force.  Fighting was fierce.  Red Stick men, women and children were shot, bayoneted and burned to death in their own houses.  Both villages were completely destroyed.

--Brock-Perry

Georgia's John Floyd-- Part 2: St. Marys and the Patriot War

At the beginning of the War of 1812, John Floyd commanded a force at Point Peter at St. Marys in Camden County.  He was asked by General George Matthew, special agent during the Patriot War, to have his militia ready to overthrow the Spanish government in East Florida.

In October 1812, Floyd, with 120 volunteers reached New Camp Hope in East Florida where he encountered Seminoles (who the Spanish government had enlisted their aid).  The Americans ran out of supplies and many got sick, forcing a withdrawal.

Creek Indians, allied with Britain, began attacking American settlements in eastern and central Alabama and western Georgia.  Those Indians from the Upper Creek Towns were known as the Red Sticks and were especially bad.

--Brock-Perry

Georgia's John Floyd, Georgia Politician-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Back in December 2015, I wrote about War of 1812 veteran Henry Griggs being honored in Texas.  The name John Floyd came up a lot.

So, now I go into some more detail on him.

October 3, 1769- June 24, 1839.  American politician and brigadier general in the First Brigade of the Georgia Militia.  member of the Georgia and U.S. House of Representatives.  Born Hilton Head, South Carolina.

In 1800, he had two large plantations in Camden County, Georgia.  On May 25, 1808, he bought Little Cumberland Island.

On May 2, 1804, he was commissioned captain of the 31st Militia in Camden County, Ga., and became brigadier general of the First Georgia Militia in 1806.

--Brock-Perry

Texas War of 1812 Veterans-- Part 15: William Weaver

WILLIAM HAMILTON WEAVER  (1791-1877)

Born in North Carolina.  In the War of 1812, he was a private in Captain Benjamin Henry's 2nd Regiment Georgia State Troops and Militia.  In 1818, he was in Alabama.

Buried in Bascom Cemetery, Bascom, Texas.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Hawkins-- Part 5: Built by the 2nd U.S. Infantry Regiment

From the Explore Southern History site.

Construction on the fort began in 1806 by the 2nd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

It is thought that in 1807, former U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr may have been incarcerated at the fort before he was accused of treason.  He was later acquitted.

The fort never faced a serious attack during the War of 1812 or the 1813-1814 Creek War.  But during these wars, the fort was occupied by Georgia militia troops and U.S. regulars.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Hawkins-- Part 4: Rebuilding the Blockhouse

In 1928, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Macon Kiwanis raised money to build a replica blockhouse.  In 1933, the U.S. government began archaeological excavations around the site by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Some of the original stones of the blockhouse were recovered in the process were recovered and used in the basement section of the rebuilt blockhouse.

Its upper floors are actually concrete, but made to look like wood.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Hawkins-- Part 3: A War of 1812 Connection

The fort was built from 1806 through 1826.  For the Creek Indians, it became a center for deerskin trade with Europeans/Americans and was also on sacred ground.

It was named for Benjamin Hawkins who was still serving as General Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

During the War of 1812,  Andrew Jackson visited it and used it as a staging area for the Battle of New Orleans as well as during the Creek and Seminole wars.

After the war, it was used as militia headquarters and muster ground for the Georgia militia.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Hawkins-- Part 2: A War of 1812 Connection

The fort was built from 1806 through 1826.  For the Creek Indians, it became a center for deerskin trade with Europeans/Americans and was also on sacred ground.

It was named for Benjamin Hawkins who was still serving as General Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

During the War of 1812,  Andrew Jackson visited it and used it as a staging area for the Battle of New Orleans as well as during the Creek and Seminole wars.

After the war, it was used as militia headquarters and muster ground for the Georgia militia.

--Brock-Perry

Some More On Benjamin Hawkins-- Part 4: Wife and the Hawkins Line

His wife, Livonia, with whom he lived in common law marriage until near his death when he officially married her so his children could be American citizens (most believe that Livonia was a Creek Indian).  She is buried at Fort Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia.

On February 16,  1789, Benjamin Hawkins reported to secretary McHenry that the line dividing settlers from the Creek Indians ran from the Tugalo River over the Oconee Mountain.

--Brock-Perry