Albany State University History Department

02/27/2023

What a historic day for Camilla! ASU's own Dr. Joshua Butler has worked diligently with the community to place this marker. The Marker was dedicated today 2/27/2023 at 3 PM in Camilla.

Here is a transcript of the marker - (credit Georgia Historical Society)

The Camilla Massacre

In one of the most violent episodes in Reconstruction Georgia, a rally in Mitchell County in September 1868 resulted in about a dozen freedmen being killed and several dozen wounded. Georgia had been re-admitted to the United States just two months prior. Leading up to the terrible events of September 19, White Democrats and Republicans in the Georgia legislature expelled all 28 African-American legislators. One of those expelled, Philip Joiner from southwest Georgia, led several hundred freedmen from Albany to Camilla for a rally in the Mitchell County seat. Upon arrival, the sheriff and other local Whites opened fire. Many Black voters stayed home for the 1868 presidential election two months later. News of the massacre circulated throughout the country, and Congress returned Georgia to military occupation and further Reconstruction.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Union Baptist Church, Mitchell County NAACP Branch #5254, and Mitchell County High School Class of 1980

02/23/2023

At Worth Co High today!!!!

02/15/2023

congrats to Dr.Mcdermott for speaking at Lunch and Learn!

11/30/2022

Albany State University’s History and Political Science club welcomes Senator Raphael Warnock to campus for a talk with students!

11/08/2022

Check Out the Model African Union!

10/12/2022

Study Abroad in Ireland this Spring Break!

10/04/2022

It is October... so when we talk about history, we talk about scaaarrryyy history!

Did you know that there is a castle in England where a woman murdered her husband and burned his body in the castle's bread oven so that she could marry the Lord of the manor? Yep! Lady Agnes Hungerford, who eventually became the mistress of Farleigh Hungerford Castle in England.

You can find more information about the castle at:

A history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle, which was begun in 1383 and was inextricably linked to the fortunes of the Hungerford family.

09/22/2022

09/20/2022

Vote for Our Amazing Ram Band!

Register below to watch the event live, and stay up to date with all of the action as it unfolds along the road to 2023.

09/19/2022

The Submission Date has been extended until September 30th!

The GAH has issued its call for proposals for the 2023 conference at Valdosta State February 3-5. https://www.gahistorians.org/conferences-and-events.html

09/19/2022

Today in Georgia History - The Camilla Massacre

During the 1820s, Governor George Gilmer made Cherokee removal a top priority. But in 1827, the Cherokee Nation established a government and declared themselves sovereign. 

09/13/2022

Check out the History and Political Science club!