Historical Marker Rescued from Oblivion

During 1864, the house of Paulding resident, Dr. Augustus Smith, became the headquarters for three Confederate generals. Located on Hwy. 92 near the Cobb county line, a Georgia historical marker designates the site where General Hardee stayed on May 23, 1864, during his march from Emerson to Pickett’s Mill. On May 24, General Hood spent the night on his way from the Etowah River to New Hope Church. Later in the year, General S. G. French, after withdrawing from the battle at Allatoona, stopped here to rejoin Hood’s forces. Several years ago due to budget cuts, the state dropped the maintenance of its historical markers, leaving this responsibility to local agencies. Gradually, the inventory and maintenance of Paulding’s markers became a project of the Friends of Civil War Paulding. During its last marker inventory, FOCWPC members Ray & Maggie Karner reported the HQ marker on 92 was so overgrown with brush and trees that it was lost from view. On November 10, members Hugh Walters, Ed Best, and Eddie Casey spent the day clearing brush and removing trees to reveal the marker. That this marker designates the original location of the house site makes it important that we ensure it stays visible and in place.
Historical markers are valuable assets supporting Paulding’s tourist business. Every year, we get many visitors from all over the country looking for ancestors who fought in the battles in Paulding County. FOCWPC appreciates any help from citizens in observing and reporting the conditions of markers and their locations.

For more information, visit our web site at www.focwpc.org/adopt-a-marker.html