Magnolia Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magnolia Springs State Park |
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The splash pad
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| Type | Public |
| Location | Jenkins County, Georgia |
| Area | 1,071 acres (4.33 km2) |
| Created | 1939 |
| Operated by | Georgia Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Magnolia Springs |
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Magnolia Springs State Park
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 Magnolia Springs State Park
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Elevation | 54 m (177 ft) |
Magnolia Springs State Park is a large Georgia state park covering about 1,070 acres. It is located in Jenkins County, between the towns of Perkins and Millen. The park was built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that helped people find work during the Great Depression.
This park is famous for its super clear springs. These springs pump out an amazing 7 million gallons of water every single day! You can also spot cool wildlife near the springs, like alligators, turtles, and many kinds of birds and fish.
During the American Civil War, a part of the park was used as a prison camp called Camp Lawton. This camp is now on the National Register of Historic Places. You can still see parts of the old dirt walls that protected the camp where about 10,000 prisoners were held.
The park has many places to stay, including 26 campsites for tents and RVs, and eight cozy cottages. There is also a Group Lodge for bigger groups. The park also has a new History Center. It shows off some of the first items found by archaeologists from Georgia Southern University. These experts have been studying Camp Lawton for years. In 2015, the park opened a fun splash pad for visitors to cool off.
Contents
Park History
Camp Lawton: A Civil War Prison
Camp Lawton was a prison camp built during the American Civil War in the fall of 1864. The Confederate Army built it to hold Union soldiers captured during the war. The site at Magnolia Springs was chosen because it had so much fresh water from the springs.
The prison walls were built by enslaved people and some Union prisoners. They used pine trees from the area. The walls were very tall, about 12 to 15 feet high. The camp started receiving prisoners in early October, with at least 10,299 soldiers held there.
However, the camp was only used for a short time. By the end of November, the camp had to be left empty. This was because General William T. Sherman and his army were marching towards Savannah. This event is known as Sherman's March to the Sea.
Finding the Lost Camp
For many years, the exact location of Camp Lawton was not fully known. But in 2009, scientists used special radar that can see underground, called ground-penetrating radar (GPR). This helped them find a possible spot for the prison walls.
In 2010, students from Georgia Southern University started digging in that area. They were trying to confirm what the radar showed. They used old watercolor drawings made by a prisoner to help them find the right place. In August of that year, these archaeology students made an exciting discovery. They found the actual stockade walls of Camp Lawton! They also found about 200 items from the Civil War era. These discoveries help us learn more about what life was like at the camp.
Fun Things to Do
Magnolia Springs State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can enjoy the beautiful nature and learn about history.
- Camping: There are 23 campsites for tents and RVs. You can also find 3 walk-in tent campsites for a more rustic experience.
- Cottages: If you prefer more comfort, there are 8 cozy cottages available.
- Playgrounds: Kids can have fun at one of the 3 playgrounds in the park.
- Splash Pad: Cool off on a hot day at the park's splash pad.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a meal outdoors at one of the 8 picnic shelters.
- Group Lodge: A large lodge is available for groups to stay together.
- History Center: Visit the Magnolia Springs History Center. It teaches you about the park's past, including Camp Lawton and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Annual Events
- Heritage Day: This special event happens in November. It focuses on the history of the park and Jenkins County. It's a great way to learn about the past in a fun way!
