Section 50-12-141. (Repealed effective December 31, 2015) Legislative findings; commemorative activities to enhance public understanding of historical time period; purpose of commission; international involvement; promotion of tourism and economic development

   (a) The General Assembly finds and declares that the War of 1812 was a perilous time in our young nation's history. The war was essentially fought over our nation's sovereign right to free trade and the inviolability of our nation's vessels on the high seas; it serves as a timeless reminder of the vulnerability of Georgia's coastline and land borders to attack by elements of a hostile foreign power. During the war period, July 18, 1812, through February 18, 1815, there were 39 counties in Georgia: Baldwin, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Chatham, Clarke, Columbia, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Franklin, Glynn, Greene, Hancock, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, McIntosh, Montgomery, Morgan, Oglethorpe, Pulaski, Putnam, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Twiggs, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilkes, and Wilkinson; Emanuel was added on December 10, 1812. Although not designated within the borders of this state, there existed during the war period territory that would eventually be designated as counties of Georgia; in addition to which, new counties were created from existing counties, and some counties whose boundaries were later redefined were the site of historically significant activity during the War of 1812. Among those counties, but not specifically limited to those now mentioned, are: Appling, Bibb, Bleckley, Charlton, Coffee, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Early, Lee, Monroe, Muscogee, Pierce, Talbot, Taylor, Ware, Wilcox, Worth, and Upson. While not all counties suffered combat, each of the 39 aforementioned counties contributed troops to the state militia; some had fortifications situated within their respective boundaries; and all had militia training grounds. Various regions of Georgia were affected by the War of 1812 in different ways: coastal regions were subject to combat with British forces, British raiding parties, and the interdiction of coastal shipping between the ports of Savannah and St. Marys; beyond Fort Hawkins (the present day City of Macon), Georgia settlers and troops were subject to raids by rebel elements of the Creek nation allied to Great Britain. Georgia territory occupied by British forces included Brunswick, Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, St. Marys, and St. Simons Island. The same naval and military forces that burned Washington, D.C., and attacked Fort McHenry, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the poem which became known as the "Star Spangled Banner," also invaded Cumberland Island, attacked St. Marys and the Battery at Cantonment Point Petre, and wreaked havoc along Georgia's coast. The final combat between British military forces and American military forces, specifically the Georgia Militia, took place on the St. Marys River, near Coleraine, on February 23, 1815, and the final shots fired in anger between British naval forces and American naval forces in American territorial sea took place in Georgia waters on March 16, 1815, off Wassaw Island.

(b) The bicentennial commemoration period offers an excellent opportunity to enhance educational programs, add to the general knowledge of that era, and engender history and heritage based tourism within this state. Therefore, it is in the interest of this state to provide appropriate commemorative activities to maximize public understanding of the meaning of the War of 1812 in the history of Georgia.

(c) The purpose of the commission is to ensure a suitable state-wide observance of the War of 1812 by complementing, cooperating with, and providing assistance to the programs and activities of the various counties involved in the commemoration. The commission is to encourage War of 1812 observances that provide an excellent visitor experience and beneficial interaction between visitors and the natural and cultural resources of the various War of 1812 sites. The commission is to engage the state archeologist in compiling an inventory of War of 1812 archeological assets on land and in waters under Georgia jurisdiction or control and work in concert with the appropriate federal government agencies when warranted to accomplish that goal.

(d) The commission is also to welcome international involvement in the War of 1812 observances; contribute to, coordinate with, participate in, and enhance the activities of the National War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission; foster and promote the protection of War of 1812 resources; and assist in the appropriate development of heritage and history based tourism and economic benefits to the State of Georgia.

Code 1981, § 50-12-141, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 730, § 1/HB 953.