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Joel’s Journal: Magnolia Springs State Park
By Joel Raeber
Posted
October 2010
The recent discovery at Magnolia Springs State Park of the exact location of the Civil War Era Camp Lawton, the Confederate prison which replaced the infamous and overcrowded Andersonville prison in the fall of 1864, is just one more reason to put this Georgia park on your list this fall. For nearly 150 years, the exact location of the prison was not known. Earlier in 2010, Georgia Southern University students began their search at the state park for evidence of the wall timbers and interior buildings. In August 2010, officials announced they had located the stockade and dozens of personal artifacts belonging to its Union prisoners. It is one of the biggest archaeological Civil War finds in decades, federal and Georgia officials announced.
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Camp Lawton
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Campground at Magnolia Springs
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"Archaeologists call it one of the most significant Civil War discoveries in decades."
Camp Lawton, described as "foul and fetid," wasn't much better than Andersonville, with the exception of fresh water from Magnolia Springs. In its six weeks' existence, between 725 and 1,330 men died at the prison camp. The stockade held about 10,000 men before it was closed when Union forces under General Sherman approached in November 1864.
Magnolia Springs State Park is located about 45 miles south of Augusta, Ga., between Perkins and Millen in the southeastern part of the state. The park is best known for its crystal-clear springs that are estimated to have a flow of 7 to 9 million gallons of water per day. A boardwalk which spans the cool stream offers several vantage points for seeing wildlife, particularly alligators, turtles and fish, in the clear water.
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to Aquarium
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Aquarium
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The small campground at Magnolia Springs (only 26 sites for tent, trailer and RVs) means you need to make reservations early. The sites are mostly level and shaded, and several are pull-thru, which makes this a great RV location. It’s generally mild, comfortable winters make Magnolia Springs an ideal spot for a snow-free escape during the winter months. But be prepared for occasional cold weather during the winter. There is a 28-acre lake with boat dock for fishing and boating, and the park offers a “tackle loaner” program if you don’t bring your own.
Hiking and picnicking opportunities are limited. There are five miles of hiking trails at the park. You can explore the earthen breastworks of Camp Lawton, "the world's largest prison," stroll around the lake, or enjoy several other adventures. A freshwater aquarium, historic exhibits, playground and bike trails offer more relaxing fun. The park has a swimming pool, but the state has closed it due to budget cuts. Swimming in the stream or lake is not a good idea due to the numerous alligators!
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Hiking
on Woodpecker Trail
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Alligator
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Geocaching, which combines online gaming with the thrill of an outdoor adventure, is another activity at Magnolia Springs, as well as 41other Georgia State parks. It's like a statewide treasure hunt played with a GPS device. You find the coordinates online, then set out to find the hidden boxes, called “caches.” Once you locate the cache (and the prize inside), you can share your experience with other geocachers online.
Magnolia Springs State Park is located at 1053 Magnolia Springs Drive, Millen, GA 30442. The phone number is 478-982-1660.
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