Stewart–Screven Monument facts for kids
Stewart–Screven Monument (2011)
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 31°48′21″N 81°25′53″W / 31.80583°N 81.43139°W |
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| Location | Midway Historic District, Midway, Georgia, United States |
| Builder | McNeel Marble Company |
| Material | Marble |
| Height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Dedicated to | Daniel Stewart and James Screven |
The Stewart–Screven Monument is a tall stone structure in Midway, Georgia, Georgia, United States. It was built in 1915. This monument honors two important military leaders, Daniel Stewart and James Screven. They were both generals during the American Revolutionary War. You can find the monument in a cemetery within the Midway Historic District.
Contents
The Story Behind the Monument
Why Was This Monument Built?
The town of Midway, Georgia was founded way back in 1752. During the American Revolution, the area around Midway was a busy place for people who supported American independence. These supporters were called Patriots. For example, Lyman Hall, who helped create the United States, was from Midway. He was a delegate for Georgia in the Continental Congress.
Because of all this Patriot activity, the county where Midway is located was named Liberty County. This name showed how much the people valued freedom. Midway was also home to two brave soldiers. These men became generals in the Continental Army. Their names were James Screven and Daniel Stewart.
Honoring Brave Generals
In November 1778, James Screven was badly hurt during a battle in Midway. He later died from his injuries. Both Stewart and Screven were highly respected for their service in the war. Many places in Georgia are named after them. These include Fort Screven, Fort Stewart, Screven County, and Stewart County.
How the Monument Was Built
In 1910, the United States Congress decided to help build a monument for Screven and Stewart. They set aside $10,000 for the project. This idea was strongly supported by William Neyle Colquitt, a well-known citizen from Savannah, Georgia. After the money was approved, he became the secretary for the monument committee.
Other important people were also on the committee. These included U.S. Senator Augustus O. Bacon and U.S. Representative Charles G. Edwards. Even former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt was the honorary chairman. The McNeel Marble Company built the monument.
The Dedication Ceremony
The monument was officially dedicated on April 26, 1915. Many military groups attended the event. Some troops from Fort Screven were also there. About 5,000 people came to watch the ceremony. Before the monument was shown, it was covered by two large American flags. Both Theodore Roosevelt and the President at the time, Woodrow Wilson, sent letters. These letters were read aloud during the ceremony.
What the Monument Looks Like
The Stewart–Screven Monument is a large marble obelisk. An obelisk is a tall, four-sided stone pillar that tapers to a pyramid shape at the top. This monument stands about 50 feet (15 m) tall. Its base covers an area of 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
It is located right in the middle of the cemetery near the Midway church. It is the tallest structure in the entire cemetery. There are four copper plates on each side of the monument near its bottom. These plates have special messages carved into them.
- The plate on the north side says:
1750 1778
Sacred to the Memory of BRIGADIER-GENERAL
JAMES SCREVEN, who Fell, Covered with Wounds
at Sunbury, Near this Spot, on the 22nd Day of Novem-
ber, 1778. He Died on the 24th Day of November, 1778,
from the Effects of his Wounds.
- The plate on the east side says:
Reared by the Congress of the United States as a
Nation's Tribute to BRIGADIER-GENERALS JAMES
SCREVEN and DANIEL STEWART.
- The plate on the south side says:
1759 1829
Sacred to the Memory of BRIGADIER-GENERAL
DANIEL STEWART, a Gallant Soldier in the Revolu-
tion and an Officer Brevetted for Bravery in the Indian
Wars.
The plate on the west side of the monument does not have any words. Instead, it shows a picture of the Midway Church building.
