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Overview
(1806-1864) Leonidas Polk was born to Col. William Polk and his wife Sarah in 1806. He briefly attended the University of North Carolina before attending the US Military Academy at West Point. He graduated eighth of 38 cadets and was awarded a commission as a 2nd lieutenant of artillery. He resigned his commission to attend Virginia Theological Seminary and began studies in the Episcopal faith. In 1832 he and his family moved to the Rattle and Snap Tract in Maury County and he constructed Ashwood Hall. Along with his brothers, Polk helped construct St. John’s church and was rector for St. Peter’s church in Columbia. He was appointed Missionary Bishop of the Southwest in 1838, and first Bishop of Louisiana in 1841. Polk was the leading founder of the University of the South, laying and consecrating the cornerstone in 1860. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Polk was commissioned a major general in the Confederate Army. Polk proved a popular commander among the troops and was known as the “Fighting Bishop”. On June 14, 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign, Polk was struck by artillery fire and killed at Pine Mountain, Georgia. He was buried at Saint Paul’s church in Augusta, Georgia, but his remains were moved in 1945 to the Christ Church Cathedral of New Orleans, Louisiana. Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives.
