Georgians rallied at Macon on Nov. 22, 1835 in support of the valiant struggle for Texas independence, and at the end of the evening 32 volunteers stepped forward to form the nucleus of the famed and ill-fated Georgia Battalion.
Despite the crude communications of the times, southerners managed to stay abreast of the exciting events in Mexico’s northernmost province. Since several Georgians played major parts in the distant drama, residents of the Peach State had more than a passing interest in the outcome.
Early Georgian immigrants to Texas included wealthy planter Jared Groce, firebrand “Three-Legged” Willie Williamson and the Jack brothers, William and Patrick. Among the well-known latecomers were publisher Mirabeau Lamar, future president of the Lone Star Republic, and Col. James B. Fannin, whose mistakes would cost so many lives.
