Francis Stebbins Bartow was a man of many roles: lawyer, politician, soldier, and staunch advocate of the Southern cause. Born on September 6, 1816, in Savannah, Georgia, Bartow’s life was one of ambition and conviction, culminating in his tragic death early in the Civil War. Though his time on the national stage was brief, Bartow’s legacy looms large in Savannah, where his name is remembered as part of the city’s storied past.
Bartow grew up in a family that valued education and public service. After attending Franklin College (now the University of Georgia), he pursued a career in law, studying at Yale before returning to Savannah to establish himself as a prominent attorney. His eloquence and legal acumen quickly earned him respect, and he became a fixture in Savannah’s civic and political life.
Deeply involved in local and state politics, Bartow served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives and later the State Senate. As sectional tensions grew in the years leading up to the Civil War, Bartow became an outspoken supporter of secession. He believed in the Southern
way of life and the importance of preserving states’ rights, aligning himself with the movement to break away from the Union.
His strong dedication to the Confederate cause was evident from the moment Georgia seceded in January 1861. He played a key role in rallying support for the Confederacy and was instrumental in organizing the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, a militia unit from Savannah. Bartow not only helped raise funds and recruits for the Confederacy but also led by example, joining the infantry as a colonel.
This dedication to the cause extended beyond military service. Bartow represented Georgia at the Provisional Confederate Congress in Montgomery, Alabama, where he helped draft the foundational documents of the Confederacy. His eloquence and leadership made him a prominent figure in the early days of the Southern rebellion.
However, Bartow’s most famous—and final—moment came at the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21, 1861. This was the first major land battle of the Civil War, and his Oglethorpe Light Infantry was part of the Confederate forces. He fought valiantly that day, rallying his troops in the face of intense Union fire. According to accounts, he carried a Confederate flag onto the battlefield and exhorted his men to stand firm. Tragically, Bartow was struck down during the battle making him one of the first Confederate officers to be killed in action. His reported final words, “They have killed me, but never give up the field,” became a rallying cry for the Southern cause.
Bartow’s death sent shockwaves through the South, and he was immediately hailed as a martyr for the Confederate cause. His body was returned to Savannah, where it lay in state at Christ Church before being interred in Laurel Grove Cemetery. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral, marking him as one of Savannah’s most celebrated sons. Bartow County in Georgia was named in his honor, a testament to his impact on the state and the Confederacy. His name and memory became symbols of Southern patriotism and sacrifice, even as the larger war would eventually overshadow his individual contributions.
The story of Francis Bartow is one of idealism, courage, and tragedy. Like many Confederate figures, his legacy is complicated and viewed differently depending on the lens of history. To some, he is a heroic figure who gave his life for his beliefs. On the other hand, to others, his dedication to the Confederate cause represents a darker chapter in American history.
In Savannah, Bartow’s life and death remain a poignant reminder of the city’s deep ties to the Civil War. His contributions to Savannah’s history, from his political advocacy to his military leadership, make him a figure worth studying and understanding.
At Wise Guys Tours, we bring stories like Francis Bartow’s to life, connecting visitors to the people and events that shaped Savannah. Join us to explore the city’s rich Civil War heritage and discover the fascinating history that still echoes in Savannah’s streets and landmarks.