MILITARY ROAD FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO ST. MARKS, FL CUT BY JAMES THIGPEN FOR COL MOORE OF CAROLINA 1703.

 

When the War of Spanish Succession began, Governor Moore led an expedition against the Spanish city of St Augustine FL but failed owing to the arrival of the Spanish Fleet. Moore then attacked the Spanish by the interior route of Thigen Trail with a force of 50 English colonists and 1000 Apalachicola Creek allies. In 1704, the Spanish and Apalache were defeated, thus securing the area of South Georgia for the English. The English victory in that battle, and 8 separate Indian treaties with the Native Americans helped enable the peaceful settlement of Georgia by James Oglethorpe in 1732. Later, Thigpen Trail was used by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Early pioneer families in the area traveled the trail from the Carolinas to make a permanent settlement in this area. They endured many hardships and dangers to establish this farming and trading community. Once an Indian trail, Thigen Trail played an important part in the development of not only Georgia but of the nation. The monument was erected by John Benning Chapter, NSDAR, in 1932, Mrs. Lottie Thompson Vereen, Regent.

 

 

Roadside vegetation and weeds are managed by the John Benning Chapter NSDAR with chapter funds earmarked for care of the historic Thigpen Trail Monument.

Periodic visits are made by chapter members to the monument for tidying up and cleaning of the stone. The marble monument is periodically cleaned with D/2 Biological Solution purchased by John Benning Chapter. Appropriate measures are taken to control weeds and insects in the area around the base of the monument. A spray of fresh flowers is placed by DAR at each visit to the monument. John Benning Chapter has included Thigpen Trail Society Children of the American Revolution in some joint workdays at the monument in an effort to keep the area in good order and to inspire future generations to assume future care of the monument.

 

Daughters maintain this property and the surrounding grassy area to make it attractive/accessible to passers-by. Being our county's connection to the American Revolution, we have organized a C.A.R. Society using the trail's name, and use it as teaching tool for DAR members and C.A.R. members as we honor our Revolutionary patriots, while learning to preserve history and promote patriotism. Members have recorded histories for local teachers. The trail was rededicated recently.