Tennille, the highest point on the Central of Georgia Railroad between Macon and Savannah, was named for the public-spirited citizen Francis Tennille and for a number of years was called Station No. 13. The land for the right of way that made the town possible was given by Sam O. Franklin. The railroad was practically destroyed by Sherman’s forces, which by his orders heated and twisted the rails until they were useless and burned all warehouses. Eight miles south of Tennille stood Fort Irwin, the stockade or fort erected by Governor Jared Irwin and three brothers to protect settlers from Indian attacks.