Kingston, one of Georgia’s most historic towns, played a pivotal role in the Civil War by delaying the Great Locomotive Chase, aiding 100,000 wounded soldiers in the first Confederate Wayside Home, being the birthplace of Confederate Memorial Day, delivering permission for Sherman’s March to the Sea, and surrendering the last Confederates east of the Mississippi.
Rich in antebellum history, Kingston, Ga., displays its pride through artifacts, scrapbooks and photographs in two museums. Visitors to Kingston Women's History Museums learn how Kingston grew with the W&A Railroad and became the final resting place of First Lady Michelle Obama's great-great-great grandmother. See how the Great Locomotive Chase was delayed as Kingston depot agent Uriah Stephens resisted Andrews' Raiders lies from the stolen locomotive "General". Markers show how residents served 100,000 wounded soldiers in the first Confederate Wayside Home. The Kingston Confederate Cemetery holds the oldest Confederate Memorial Day service each April. Displays tell how the Civil War's end began here when General Sherman requested and received permission from General Grant for The March to the Sea. In May 1865, the last surrender of Confederate troops east of the Mississippi was at Kingston by Gen. William T. Wofford. Visitors to Barnsley Resort, and those who come annually to Atlanta Steeplechase and CounterPoint Music Festival, can discover Kingston's legacy.
