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- GENERAL SAMUEL ELBERT
Near this spot, March 3rd, 1779,
General Samuel Elbert, then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, commanding 60 Continentals
and 150 Georgia Militia, made one of the most gallant stands
against overwhelming odds of the Revolutionary War. After General
Ashe's main army had been routed, the left wing under General
Elbert was folded back against Brier Creek. With his back to
the creek and surrounded on all other sides he attempted to turn
the fortune of the battle by fighting his way through the British
lines.
It was only after British reserves
came up, and all hope of escape or victory had vanished that
General Elbert surrendered the remnants of his courageous command.
Of the 150 Americans killed in the entire battle more than half
of them were General Elbert's men.
It is said that when General Elbert
was about to be killed he was recognized as a Mason by a British
Officer who spared his life.
In 1785 Past Grand Master Samuel
Elbert was elected Governor of Georgia.
- ERECTED BY
- THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA
- FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
- MARSHALL A. CHAPMAN
- GRAND MASTER
- DANIEL W. LOCKLIN -
GRAND SECRETARY
- 1954
© Carl Vinson Institute of Government,
University of Georgia
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