Jefferson Davis, Wilcox County

Wilcox County · dedicated 1957 · Across from the Courthouse in Fitzgerald in front of the Library.

Late on May 8, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis passed through Abbeville with his family and a small escort. The 1st Wisconsin Cavalry (US), led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Harnden, arrived at Abbeville in hot pursuit of Davis on May 9, the morning after Davis’s departure. Harnden’s men were tracking Davis when Lt. Col B. D. Pritchard’s 4th Michigan Cavalry (US) encountered the Wisconsin troops. Harnden informed Pritchard of Davis’s proximity and probable route; then, after declining an offer of help from Pritchard, Harnden continued to overtake Davis. Pritchard then resumed his mission to intercept other Confederate officials downriver until learning that the officials he sought were with Davis. Pritchard reversed course and found the Davis camp late that night, surrounded it quietly, and waited for dawn. Camping a few miles away, Harnden was unaware of Pritchard’s arrival. Pritchard confused Harnden’s cavalry with Davis and his escort. The next morning when Harnden’s men advanced on Davis’s entourage, they were fired upon by Pritchard’s troops. In the fight that followed, two Michigan soldiers were killed by friendly fire. After realizing their mistake, Pritchard and his troops captured Jefferson Davis outside of Irwinville on May 10, 1865.

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On the National Register nearby

Wilcox County Courthouse140 ft

Places within about 300 feet of this marker that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A nearby listing is not always the marker's own subject.