The unveiling last Wednesday of numerous Civil War artifacts discovered at Camp Lawton on property of the Bo Ginn National Fish Hatchery, adjacent to Magnolia Springs State Park, was exciting news for Jenkins County and Millen. The media event and public open house were hosted by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Georgia Southern University and Georgia Department of Natural Resources, sponsors of the project. Both events drew large crowds to the park.

The discovery is being called a “major archeological find” and a “unique and unexpected discovery.” Many of the artifacts recovered were personal items left behind by Civil War soldiers. Each provides a glimpse into the soldiers’ lives at Camp Lawton, almost 150 years ago.

Although present plans are for the artifacts to be housed in the Georgia Southern Museum due to the need for a climate controlled environment, officials have pledged to work toward keeping the artifacts in Jenkins County in the future. A museum to house them would be a major tourist attraction for the community, and we encourage all involved to work toward that goal. In the mean time, we must remain patient and be supportive of the on-going project. There is no way of knowing what yet might be discovered!

Congratulations to all involved.