CLINTON’S WAR DAYS REMEMBERED

Come to Old Clinton and take a step back in time on April 30 & May 1, 2016, when re-enactors from the Southeast recreate the Battles of Sunshine Church, which took place in July of 1864, and Griswoldville, which took place in November of 1864 during Sherman’s March to the Sea.

     

Beneath a windblown battle flag, tents will spring up on grassy fields in the town. Soldiers from grizzled veterans to beardless recruits, both blue and gray, will gather. As in July and November of 1864, the rattle of musketry and the rolling thunder of cannons will shake windows in old homes.

     

The McCarthy-Pope House, circa 1809, the oldest house existing house in Clinton, will be open for tour. Ladies of the Confederacy will have the house furnished and decorated in the era of the War Between the States. Miss Annie’s Store, which will be set up as an 1800’s mercantile establishment, will also house a display of a wide variety of war relics, a prize winning exhibit of Griswold pistol parts, a beautiful example of a finished Griswold pistol, a Burnside carbine, other war weapons, and authentic Confederate currency.

     

The 16^th Georgia will sponsor a children’s battle and a Ladies Tea will bring back memories of gentler times. The National Naval Civil War Museum in Columbus is to bring a Naval Display/Marine, with replica cannon like those once made in Macon

     

The entire event takes place in the Old Clinton Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Self-guided walking tour information will be available, and guided tours are available by pre-reservation.

     

Crafts of the era will be demonstrated; “modern” arts and crafts will also be available for purchase; and “modern” as well as food of the period will be served.

     

Saturday’s program will conclude at 8:05 P.M. with the 16^th Georgia, Company G, Jackson Rifles, CSA conducting a memorial service in the Old Clinton Cemetery to honor Clinton’s Confederate dead.

     

Gates open at 9:00 A.M. Battle at 2:05 each day. Admission/Contribution each day: Adults - $5; Students 18 and under $3; Children under 6 – Free. Memorial  service – Free.

     

Clinton is located 12 miles NE of Macon, 1-½ miles SE of Gray, one block west off US Hwy 129. For more information contact Earlene Hamilton at 478-986-6383 or the Jones County-Gray Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center at 478-986-1123.