A Hero’s Welcome: The Appling Sword Returns to Georgia

During the War of 1812, Georgia native Daniel Appling distinguished himself through acts of bravery while fighting for the early American republic. The General Assembly awarded him with a Sword of Honor in 1815 because of his heroic acts. Unfortunately Colonel Appling died before receiving the sword and after decades of display in the Georgia Capitol, the sword went missing for the last 100 years. Early in 2012, the sword was recovered from an antiques dealer through the efforts of Georgia citizens eager to return the sword to Georgia. The Appling Sword is now on display in the Georgia Capitol’s Hall of Valor. Accompanying the sword is a panel exhibiting describing Colonel Appling’s acts during the War of 1812.