Colonel Barnett and the History of the Georgia Secretary of State
The political trajectory of Colonel Barnett is inextricably linked with the foundational growth and turbulent transitions of Georgia. From the early expansion of the state's infrastructure to the preservation of its sovereign symbols during the American Civil War and Reconstruction, Barnett's career spanned several decades of profound change.
Early Legislative Career and the Birth of Atlanta
In 1836, Colonel Barnett was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. During his tenure, he was a key proponent of critical infrastructure projects. Most notably, he sponsored and supported the legislation that authorized the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad (W&A), which was officially established on December 21, 1836.
The impact of this railroad was transformative; the city of Atlanta was founded specifically as the terminus of the W&A line, a location still marked today by the Atlanta Zero Mile Post. While the line remains state-owned from Atlanta to CT Tower in Chattanooga, Barnett's involvement in the House ended after two terms. He declined to seek re-election in 1840 following the illness and death of his first wife.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Guardian of the Great Seal
Barnett's most enduring legacy began in 1843 when the Georgia State Senate elected him as the Secretary of State. He served three terms until 1849, returned for a single term in 1851, and served again from 1861 to 1868. Throughout these years, he became known as the protector of the Great Seal of the State of Georgia.
Preservation During the Civil War
As Union troops under General William Tecumseh Sherman approached the State Capitol in Milledgeville, Barnett took decisive action to protect state sovereignty. He removed the Great Seal along with numerous official Acts and documents, burying them on his farm with the help of his wife, Mary. Once the Union troops had marched on, he safely returned the items to the state.
Defiance During Reconstruction
In 1866, Barnett faced a conflict with General Ruger, the acting Military Governor of Georgia. When Ruger requested that Barnett affix the Great Seal to an executive act that Barnett could not approve, he refused. Consequently, General Ruger removed him from office.
To prevent the seal from being used by what he viewed as an illegitimate "Carpetbagger" government (Northern officials who moved south during Reconstruction), Barnett took the seal with him. Because the seal was essential for certifying official acts, the Reconstruction government created a replacement. However, this replica contained a distinct error: the soldier depicted on the seal held his sword in the wrong hand. This era is historically remembered as the "Period of the False Seal."
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Final Years and Lasting Legacy
The original Great Seal remained hidden on Barnett's farm until 1868, when a new state constitution was enacted and a new government was installed. Following the return of Democratic control over the state government, Barnett was elected Secretary of State once more in 1873.
In recognition of his loyalty, both houses of the Legislature presented him with a replica of the Executive Seal, which is currently held by the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah. Barnett continued his service until his death on February 2, 1890. Notably, following a constitutional amendment in 1880, he became the first Secretary of State to be directly elected by the people. In his final years, serving into his late 80s, he was famously known to wear three pairs of glasses simultaneously to assist his vision.
Key Facts
- Infrastructure: Sponsored the legislation for the Western and Atlantic Railroad, leading to the founding of Atlanta.
- The Great Seal: Twice saved the Great Seal of Georgia from capture or misuse during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
- The False Seal: The Reconstruction government's replacement seal was flawed, with the soldier holding the sword in the wrong hand.
- Political Milestone: Became the first Georgia Secretary of State to be directly elected after the 1880 constitutional amendment.
- Longevity: Served as Secretary of State for over 30 years across multiple administrations.
| Period/Year | Role/Event | Key Achievement/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1836–1840 | Georgia House of Representatives | Authorized Western and Atlantic Railroad |
| 1843–1849 | Secretary of State (1st tenure) | Served three terms |
| 1851 | Secretary of State (2nd tenure) | Served one term |
| 1861–1868 | Secretary of State (3rd tenure) | Protected the Great Seal during the Civil War |
| 1873–1890 | Secretary of State (Final tenure) | First directly elected Secretary of State |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Colonel Barnett contribute to the founding of Atlanta?
Barnett sponsored the legislative initiative in the Georgia House of Representatives that authorized the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Atlanta was established as the terminus of this railroad line.
What was the "Period of the False Seal"?
This refers to the era of the Reconstruction government in Georgia. Because Colonel Barnett had taken the original Great Seal to prevent its misuse, the government created a replacement that was identical except for the soldier holding the sword in the wrong hand.
Why was Colonel Barnett removed from office by General Ruger?
Barnett was removed because he refused to affix the Great Seal of Georgia to an executive act requested by General Ruger, as Barnett did not approve of the document.
Where is the replica of the Executive Seal located today?
The replica presented to Barnett by the Georgia Legislature is currently the property of the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah, Georgia.
What was unique about Barnett's final term as Secretary of State?
Following an amendment to the state constitution in 1880, Barnett became the first person to hold the office of Secretary of State through direct election rather than appointment by the State Senate.