Pursuit of Jefferson Davis

Lee County · dedicated 1956 · Junction of US 19 and Ga 118 south of Smithville.

Early in May, 1865, Federal cavalry under command of Col. R.H.G. Minty, U.S.A., passed through Smithville in pursuit of Jefferson Davis. They camped for one night near this spot, moved west to Cuthbert, then to Eufaula, Ala., south to Fort Gaines, Ga., back to Cuthbert, then again to Smithville, and on to Americus. President Johnson in a proclamation May 2, 1865, offered a reward of $100,000 for the capture of Jefferson Davis. Hoping to obtain this reward, Federal troops spread out over most of this State. Davis was finally captured May 10, 1865, near Irwinville.

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