Jefferson Davis State Historic Site

About Jefferson Davis State Historic Site

When his remaining companions crossed the Savannah River toward Georgia on May 3, 1865, they headed for the western theater of war, where Davis planned to unite the rebels and continue fighting for a lost cause. At dawn, two Union Cavalry independent groups, unknown to each other, were surrounded and camped out on the banks of a creek near Savannah, Georgia, about 30 miles south of Atlanta. On May 4, 1864, Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his men camped in the forests of Georgia, unaware that the persecution was so close.

There was an exchange of fire before the federal troops realized they had shot themselves, and two Union Cavalry officers died in battle. Davis was captured and held at the site of the arrest, which is now a memorial, until he was released on May 5, 1865, after three days in a federal prison in Georgia.

This short walk through the countryside will take you for a relaxed stroll around the grounds and visitors can visit the 13-acre historic site, which includes Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park, a museum and visitor center, and a picnic area.

This educational trail is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in the United States. Part of the route is an original county road that led to the present area during the Civil War. This part of the road is where Davis and his group entered and camped on the night of his capture.

An elevated footpath leads visitors to the end of the trail, which is also peppered with native wildlife and plant identification signs. The trail is a great opportunity to see 47 different bird species in the area, as well as a variety of plants and animals.