Image Courtesy of Tom Stelling

Year Erected: 1956

Marker Text: Near this spot on May 9, 1865, Major General Joseph Wheeler, C.S.A., and part of his staff were captured by Federal troops who were pursuing President Jefferson Davis. Gen. Wheeler was released at Athens but, later, was again arrested and sent north with Pres. Davis. He was imprisoned at Fort Delaware, Del., until June 8, 1865, when he was released. Gen. Wheeler fought more battles than any other cavalryman in the War Between the States. Wounded 3 times, he had his horse shot out from under him 16 times. In the U. S. Army in the Spanish-American War, he served with equal honor and distinction.