Chattahoochee County GaArchives Military Records.....History Of Ft. Benning 1933
 
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History Of Ft. Benning
CHAPTER VI

Fort Benning

    From a History of the Infantry School and Fort Banning by L. W. Yarborough,
Captain of Infantry in collaboration with Truman Smith, Major of Infantry, and
from data furnished through courtesy of Major General Campbell King.

    "Fort Benning is situated on the east bank of the Chattahoochee River, a
little south of the center of Georgia's western border line. Across the muddy
river rise the rolling hills of Alabama. To the eastward, behind Fort Benning,
lies all the state of Georgia, founded as a proprietary province in 1733 by
General James Oglethorpe, English philanthropist.

    The eastern part of the state has become famous for its pine forests and for
its prized sea-island cotton. In middle Georgia, cotton, peaches and melons grow
in abundance. To the southward are tobacco fields, pecan groves, peanut and
sugar-cane farms.

    Mountainous north Georgia holds a treasure of mineral products. Here are
found marble, granite, and clays suitable for the manufacture of brick and tile,
and near the town of Dahlonega are deposits of gold.

    Columbus, the neighboring town of about 50,000 population is a
cotton-weaving center in the manufacturing section of western Georgia. The town
is built just below the falls of the Chattahoochee, and even so early as 1838
the motive power of the river was utilized in the manufacture of cotton cloth.
Grouped about Columbus and Fort Benning are many farming-communities and several
small industrial towns.

    From the vantage point of the present, nearly four centuries of Georgia
history may be reviewed.

    The opening chapters, written by followers of DeSoto who traversed the state
during the year 1540, afford strange glimpses of an order that vanished long
ago. This portion of the chronicle is dim with the haze of antiquity. Elsewhere,
the thread is broken and lost for a space, so that the reader must turn to
archaeological remains as the natural supplement of the written record.

    Strength and certainty invest the narrative when it comes to deal with the
events of the eighteenth century, the era of the coming of the white men.

    To Savannah, eighteen miles from the Atlantic Coast. Oglethorpe and his
little band of one hundred and twenty-four emigrants from England came on
February 12, 1733.They established the first permanent white settlement on the
mainland of Georgia.

    The northern section of the state was then the home of the Cherokee Indians,
a detached tribe of the Iroquois. who remained here until the year 1838.

    More warlike than the Cherokees were the Creek Indians, an association of
tribes whose territory comprised middle and south Georgia. The Creeks
surrendered the last vestige of their Georgia lands in 1827.

    From Savannah, Oglethorpe's first Georgia village, the tide or white
civilization crept steadily inland, and in 1828, reached the valley of the
Chattahoochee River and the site which, ninety years later, would become the
military reservation of Fort Benning. It is a country of wooded hills and
fertile valleys, watered by many creeks flowing into the Chattahoochee.

    This area has been the stage for the enactment of three great dramas, of
which the third is yet playing.

    First, Indians, then white planters, and, finally, military men have applied
the land to their uses. Though their needs were different, it has been possible
for the same terrain perfectly to serve each successive group.

    The Creek Indians who built the town, Kasihta, south of the Upatoi and very
near its confluence with the Chattahoochee, constantly used the surrounding
forests as hunting grounds.

    When the white men came they felled the trees and converted much of this
broad tract beside the river into fields of cotton.

    Since 1918, when the Infantry School was established here, the land has been
employed in the training of the infantry officers of our army, a purpose for
which it is admirably suited.

    For this class of training, the diversity of its features offers unexcelled
advantages.

    It is noteworthy that the two great changes, which lately have visited this
region, have come, not as to some places, slowly and in consequence of the
operation of natural forces, but in both instances the transformation has been
abruptly by decree.

    In 1827 a terse decision of federal authorities banished the Indians and
ushered into the scene paleface tillers of the soil. Likewise in 1918 a
governmental decree cleared the scene of its plantation life and began the
creation of a teeming military camp as part of the nation's preparations for a
great war."

    The history of this region when occupied by the Creek Indians is, with the
exception of a few unimportant details similar to that prepared by P. A. Brannon
in first chapter of this book. But this reference to the old Federal Road is of
especial interest.

    "From the time of Dr. Henry Woodward's visit to the middle Chattahoochee
towns in 1685 to the close of the eighteenth century, travelers from the east or
west reached Kasihta by following an ancient Indian path. This was the Lower
Creel-path, and it led westward from a ford on the Ogeechee River to
Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia; thence to Benjamin Hawkins' headquarters,
the Creek Agency on the Flint River at a point about two miles southwest of
headquarters of the Infantry School. Travelers, crossing the river by ferry,
passed into Alabama territory and finally reached old St. Stephens.

    Among the distinguished persons, who journeyed along this route in the early
days were James Adair, of England, who visited America before the Revolution;
William Bartram, botanist, of Philadelphia, in 1775; Benjamin Hawkns, federal
agent for Indian affairs, in 1796; Lorenzo Dow, Methodist minister, in 1804; and
Aaron Burr, in 1897.

    In 1805 the Creek Indians entered into an agreement with the United States
concerning the use of the path. For a monetary consideration the Indians ceded
to the Federal Government certain Georgia lands and also the pathway traversing
the entire Lower Creek Nation.

    It was further agreed that, where the path crossed the large streams, boats
were to be kept by the Indians for the convenience of travelers. The Indians
were also responsible for the maintenance of taverns along the way.

    In 1811 the Lower Path was enlarged and improved under the direction of
Lieutenant J. M. Luckett, U. S. Army. Until then it had not been a practicable
route for vehicles, but after being widened and improved, it was called the
Federal Road. The Federal Road traversed the lands now comprised in the Fort
Benning reservation. And it crossed the Chattahoochee at a point about two miles
southwest of where headquarters now stands. At an early date mail was carried
regularly over this route. In 1820 two stage coaches each week went this way
running between Milledgeville and Montgomery, Alabama.

    Tecumseh, Shawnee chief, and his brother, the Prophet came among the Creeks
in 1811 for the purpose of persuading them to join with the British against the
United States in the war which was to involve the two nations. Many of the
Indians, influenced by Tecumseh's inflammatory messages, fought as the allies of
the British during the War of 1812. In Mississippi and Alabama the Upper Creeks
gave serious trouble until they were defeated in battle by Andrew Jackson's forces.

    In the fall of 1813 General Floyd, commanding the Georgia Militia, marched
over the Federal Road to General Jackson's aid. Floyd established Fort Mitchell
near the Indian agency on the west bank of the Chattahoochee and, with his
Georgians, fought in the battles of Autossee and Chalibbee.

    Fort Mitchell figures prominently in the Creek War of 1836 and was used as
headquarters at times by General Winfield Scott during that campaign. It was
garrisoned by regular troops until its abandonment in 1837. It was a rendezvous
for Confederate soldiers in the Civil War.

    Evidence of the old fort are still visible on its site which is opposite
Fort Benning about half a mile from Bradley's Landing."

    LaFayette's passage through Chattahoochee County is commemorated by a bronze
tablet on the monument at the road intersection near the southwest corner of
Doughboy Stadium at Fort Benning.

    "The visit of LaFayette to Georgia and his passage through the Chattahoochee
Valley in 1825 was a memorable event. The distinguished French general with his
Georgia escort followed the Federal Road from Milledgeville, traversed the
present site of Fort Benning and halted on the east bank of the Chattahoochee.
There fifty Indians, led by Chilly McIntosh, as representative of Alabama, took
the place of the Georgians who had escorted General LaFayette across the river.
He was ensconced in a sulky and ferried across the river. When the ferryboat
touched the Alabama shore the naked, painted Indians seized the ropes with which
the general's sulky had been equipped and quickly drew it to the summit of the
long, steep river-bank, where various officials of the territory of Alabama
awaited to greet him. The dignity and verve in the al-fresco ceremony was
evidence of their keen appreciation of the momentous occasion."

    The land lottery of 1827 next engages the attention of Fort Benning's
historians. One man, who displayed a prominent part in the development of lands
around the Fort; drew in this lottery and bought lots from others who preferred
to live elsewhere. This was John Woolfolk who, on January 24, 1843, purchased
from the state of Georgia, Chas. J. McDonald being governor, eighteen fractional
lots on the river; one contained only 14 5-8 acres, but almost all of them
contained between one and two hundred acres. The Woolfolk family succeeded in
having the county line changed in 1856 so their plantation could be in Muscogee
County. But at a later session of the legislature the original line, or the
Upatoi Creek, again became the boundary between the two counties. (From office
of Secretary of State).

    Quoting from history of Fort Benning: "His (Woolfolk's) fine river
plantation soon became famous in this part of the state. Members of the Woolfolk
family retained ownership of the land until the year 1883. They built the house
which today serves. as the assistant commandant's .quarters. Excursions by river
boat to Woolfolk's Bend were, during the forties and fifties, a form of
recreation highly favored by citizens of the. nearby town of Columbus" . . .
"William G. Woolfolk and his brothers sold 1782 acres of the old river
plantation to Benjamin Hatcher in 1883. Hatcher did not live on the plantation,
but he often came from Columbus, where he lived, to the place on the river.
There gangs of negroes worked under the direction of a resident manager. About
forty men were needed during the dull season, but the number was increased to
two hundred and fifty hands when cotton-picking time came around. A year of
plentiful yield was marked by a grand barbecue held on July 4 and enjoyed by
negroes and white people as well. Then Hatcher would engage a band from Columbus
to come to the plantation. Hatcher's charming young daughters and their friends
would also come to the plantation for the day. In buggies and surreys the white
guests traveled the old Glade Road, passing over the covered bridge that once
spanned Bull Creek. Not only the negroes, but the "quality" as well, danced at
the barbecue. Their ball room was the long front apartment of the house in which
the Woolfolks had dwelt. The big magnolia stood just before the house then as
now. Hatcher died in 1911. Four years before he had sold the plantation, but
many of the negroes still worked for this kind master. The love with which they
regarded him is revealed by an incident occurring a few weeks before his death.
On a winter's afternoon six strong black men approached the house where Hatcher
lay ill and weak. His wife was startled when the silent, purposeful little
company tramped around the house and stood before the back door. All had been
trusted hands on the plantation. All had enjoyed with child-like glee the favors
which Hatcher liked to dispense. Now the hands were very grave for, as their
spokesman, Alex Williams, explained, they had heard that "Marster" was in
trouble. To their minds the phrase conveyed but one meaning—"Marster" was in
need. So each had brought what was an offering to this good white friend. One
had brought a chicken, another a bag of sweet potatoes, a third told of three
bales of cotton which constituted his sole wealth and begged that "Marster"
accept the cotton. Most remarkable of all the gifts was a bag of money, one
hundred dollars in silver. Only Hatcher's own assurance that his troubles was
physical and not financial could persuade the six negroes that their sacrifice
was not necessary.

    Arthur Bussey purchased the river plantation from Hatcher in 1907. In 1908
Bussey built for the use of himself and his family the large frame house which
now is the residence of the Commandant of the Infantry School. Under the
personal supervision of its new owner the old plantation became as efficient as
it was picturesque. The name Riverside Plantation was given it. Here were all
the activities which constituted the life of an ante-bellum plantation of
Virginia. The products were extremely varied, and included even maple sugar.
Bussey had a herd of fine cows and his dairy was a model of neatness. His
plantation was well night perfect and, because fanning had always seemed to him
the most delightful of pursuits, he was content with the beautiful place. For
eleven years he enjoyed it. Then came the request that he sell the broad acres
to the government.

    On June 17, 1919 he agreed to part with his plantation home for slightly
less than half million dollars. Thereupon the government took possession and
Riverside Plantation, like other lands for miles around, was absorbed by the
great military reservation which is now the home of the Infantry School."

    Fort Benning was named in honor of Brig. Gen. Henry Lewis Benning, C. S A.,
one of Muscogee County's most distinguished sons.

    The extent of the reservation is ten by fifteen miles, and contains
97,244.76 acres. Approximately three-fifths of this territory, including Fort
Benning headquarters, is situated in Chattahoochee County, the remainder being
in Muscogee County. The average price paid per acre was $35.00. Total cost of
land $3,494,856.33. At end of 1930 the government had spent $10,715,770.00 for
construction of buildings necessary for housing that part of the army stationed
at Fort Benning. The Recreation Center Board had spent $366,500.00; colored
regiment $15,000.00. The average total population is about 7,000 including some
civilian specialists, whose presence is necessary at all times. There are 5,000
troops including one regiment, the 29th Infantry, kept at full strength for
functional purposes to student officers. This regiment, two full battalions of
3,700 men, is called the experimental infantry, because in cooperation with the
artillery, tanks, air forces, in fact all parts of the army except the cavalry,
it tests new ideas in drill and formation.

    "Organizations operating at Fort Benning include Infantry, including tanks
motorized; Field artillery, motorized; Engineers; air service (both balloon
companies and airplane detachments); Chemical warfare; Quartermaster Corps;
Signal Corps and Ordnance Corps. All of these are used in carrying on the
administration of the school and in staging demonstrations of battles that
involve cooperation of the troops of the different branches of the service."

    "The object of military training is to insure victory on the battlefield
with the least possible sacrifice of human life."

    "The basic idea at Fort Benning is practical training that will enable the
officers to properly instruct and lead their men, that will avoid the slaughter
through unskilled leadership of untrained troops." And while this training is
the basic reason for the existence of the largest infantry school in the world,
the physical and social needs of this, as of any group of people, have resulted
in the development of various industries and recreation centers. A school
maintained at the expense of its patrons at Fort Benning takes care of the
education of the children of the officers stationed there. There is also a
school for the colored children. Constructive work gives employment to
practically every class of workman from common laborers to skilled artisans.

    "The practical development of Fort Benning is proceeding methodically
according to a definitely outlined building program. This, if carried out
according to schedule, will complete the principal features of the post in 1940,
and close to a million dollars a year will be spent for this construction. The
progress of the plan depends, of course, upon appropriations from Congress."

    Many civilian workers are employed regularly at Fort Benning, the post
quartermaster being the largest single employer of workmen, the force averaging
about 400 the year round. All the basic utilities of the army city, as well as
the shops for the repair and maintenance of motor transportation and repair of
railroad equipment are operated by the post quartermaster.

    There is a round house where standard gauge locomotives acquired by the
government during the World War, are sent for repairs. There is a miniature
system of about twenty-three miles of narrow gauge (60 centimeters) railway in
the reservation, the rolling stock of which consists of eight locomotives and
one hundred and fifty cars.

    Since the commodities sold at the post exchange are needed by all classes at
Fort Benning, it necessarily employs a large force, also; there being about 125
workers in its various departments.

    The academic and other departments of the school require a large clerical
force of civilian workers.

    The telephone exchange serves the whole area included within Benning
territory. There are gigantic radio towers, second largest in the army, which
insure to the inhabitants of the Fort the latest news of the world, through the
aerial route. A motion picture theatre seating 1250, with two performances
daily, presents the usual form of high class entertainment to be expected at any
army post. There is a class in equitation for ladies every Saturday during
several months of the year, and it is well worth the trip, not only to see the
fair riders, but the horses and their quarters, which are kept scrupulously
clean at all times. The knowledge that the corral and stables are located where
the Indian town of Kasihta stood lends additional interest.

    The laundry and commissary are among buildings for supplying the utilitarian
needs of Benning's inhabitants. These immense warehouses where clothing for the
soldiers, food, motor transportation supplies, everything ordinarily needed by
soldiers may be stored, are frame buildings, housing several million dollars
worth of such supplies.

    Barracks of the latest approved type shelter the troops, with a clinic and
hospital where free medical treatment is dispensed to the enlisted men and their
families.

    The 24th Infantry (colored) has neat, comfortable houses in a separate
quarter, which is passed in driving to the aviation field, at the foot of a
bluff on a plain near the river.

    Fort Benning is considered one of the most valuable assets of the United
States.

    "It is here that the infantry officers of our small regular army are trained
in our latest tactical doctrines and methods of instruction with the view of
fitting them for their peace-time duties with all components of the Army of the
United States and their added responsibility in case of a national emergency."
(From statement of Colonel Lawrence Halstead, Executive Officer).

    During spring maneuvers, when troops from other army posts concentrate there
for practical demonstrations in modern warfare, there are many distinguished
visitors, and as many as seven generals of the U. S. Army were residents there
for a short period of 1932.

    President Harding and his party visited Fort Benning on October 27, 1921.
About this time Lieut. Gen. R. L. Bullard said, "I doubt that another piece of
ground equal to Camp Benning for the location of an Infantry School of Arms
could be found within the limits of the United States."

    So this place was selected because the configuration of land is more
suitable for conduct of infantry training than any other in this vicinity.

    In addition to deversified terrain, plenty of good water and a salubrious
climate are among the advantages of this locality. The expenditure of the large
sums of money involved in the various activities of an army post naturally
stimulates the economic life of that locality and although such an establishment
is costly to the nation, if its preparation for denfense inspires that respect
from other nations, which will be a deterrent of war, these preventive measures
have been well worth the money expended.

   The concrete shaft at Fort Ben-ning, with its three bronze tablets, termed
the LaFayette, Kasih-ta, and Hitchiti markers was built by Fort Bemiing
authorities, the work actually being performed by the recreation center board,
which used materials obtained from local sources.

    The three bronze markers were placed by the patriotic societies (D. A, R.
and U. D. C.) of Columbus, Georgia.

    Application to place these historical markers at Fort Benning was made by
Mrs. H. Fay Gaffney Jan. 19, 1926; the monument was formally dedicated Sept. 6.
1929, anniversary of the birth of LaFayette.

Inscriptions on the markers are:

    (1) Along the Federal Road built in 1811 East and West through this place
there passed in 1825 La Fayette, Soldier of France and Volunteer in the Cause of
American Liberty."

    "At the first news my heart was enrolled."

    (2) Here stood the Indian. Village Kasihta, Peace Town of the Lower Creek
Nation.

    (3) At the Mouth of Upatoi Creek on this Reservation the Battle of Hichiti
was fought in 1836 between Creek Indians and Georgia Militia.

    All tablets erected in 1926 by Daughters of the American Revolution.

    Chattahoochee County responded to all demands upon its resources during the
World War.

    The women of the county formed an auxiliary of the Red Cross Chapter at
Columbus, knitting and sewing as requested.

    Food conservation requirements were observed and real cooperation given to
all measures deemed advisable by those in authority, for the best of the young-
manhood of the county as in all wars, was selected to serve overseas or wherever
needed and the hearts of the people as well as their means were thus enlisted in
the service of the nation.


Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTY, GEORGIA
By N. K. Rogers

Dedicated to

KASIHITA CHAPTER U. D. C.

and all worthy descendants of the County's first settlers.

Copyright 1933

by N. K. ROGERS

PRINTED   BY
COLUMBUS  OFFICE  SUPPLY CO. COLUMBUS, GA.

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