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
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Ken Moser.