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Civil War Sites in Georgia

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Civil War Sites in Georgia

Metro Atlanta


  Atlanta
Fulton County
  • Atlanta History Center (NRHP)
    130 West Paces Ferry Rd
    Atlanta, GA 30305
    404-814-4000
    Admission Fee (no fee to access Library & Archives)

    This 32-acre complex includes the Atlanta History Museum (83,000 square feet, features Dubose Civil War Collection). The Tullie Smith plantation house and grounds (circa 1840). The Swan House (a 1928 Palladian-revival mansion). McElreath Hall houses the library and archival center, gift shop and serves as the entrance to the woodland trials.

  • Battle of Atlanta (HM)

    Sometimes the entire Atlanta Campaign is broadly referred to as the Battle of Atlanta, but in official histories the term “Battle of Atlanta” usually refers to the specific clash that occurred east of the city on July 22, 1864; markers along DeKalb Ave. near the Inman Park and Candler Park MARTA Stations identify the battle sites portrayed by the Cyclorama. Today’s Atlanta was built over the wartime city, which Gen. Sherman burned in November, 1864, as he embarked on his March to the Sea. Various historical markers and monuments now stand throughout the city to commemorate this battle, some of which are highlighted below.

  • Augustus Hurt House Site

    The Carter Presidential Center now sits on the site of Gen. Sherman’s headquarters during the battle. Sherman saw the Confederate breakthrough from this point and immediately ordered Gen. Schofield’s artillery to direct their guns at the oncoming enemy.

  • Dexter Niles House Site (HM)

    Gen. Johnston’s headquarters at the Niles House is marked at the entryway of the building located at 950 West Marietta Street. Here on the night of July 17, 1864, Johnston was relieved of command of the Army of Tennessee and replaced by Gen. Hood on July 18. Original Confederate cannonballs adorn the markers.

  • First Shell (HM)

    It fell at the intersection of Ellis and Ivy (now Peachtree Center Aveneue) on July 20, 1864, killing a child.

  • Fort Hood Site (HM)

    Fort Hood Place, near the intersection of Northside Drive and Marietta Street, marks the site of the fort situated on the northwest corner of the city’s defenses and named for the Army of Tennessee’s commander.

  • Fort Walker

    On the southeast corner of Grant Park, near intersection of Boulevard and Atlanta Ave. This is one of the few remnants of a line of Confederate artillery breastworks that withstood the attack of Union armies for 42 days.

  • Leggett’s Hill (HM) (Also known as Bald Hill)

    Two Historical Markers Trenton Street at Moreland Avenue. Site of the disastrous Confederate attack on the Union flank on July 22, 1864.

  • Monument to Confederate General William H. T. Walker

    Intersection of Wilkinson and Glenwood Avenue, monument marks the approximate location where Gen. Walker, a native of Augusta, Georgia, was killed on July 22, 1864, by Union pickets during the battle.

  • Monument to Union General James B. McPherson

    Intersection of McPherson Avenue and Monument Road, granite monument marks the place where young and promising Gen. McPherson, who had topped his class at West Point, was killed on July 22, 1864.

  • Oakland Cemetery (NRHP)

    Just north of the Confederate Memorial (between the visitor center and the north wall) is a historical marker indicating the site of the house from which Gen. Hood and members of his staff watched the battle unfold. Just across from the cemetery on Boulevard is the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill, established in 1881. A rolling mill which produced iron plating for Confederate naval vessels was located on the site of the mill.

    Located east of downtown on Memorial Drive, entrance is on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, or take MARTA to the King Memorial Station.

  • Original Lampost

    Located at the Northwest corner of South Peachtree and Alabama streets is a resurrected wartime lamppost, its base pierced by a Union shell.

  • Surrender Marker (HM)

    Located on Northside Drive at Marietta Street (currently missing), here mayor James M. Calhoun formally surrendered Atlanta to Union 20th Corps troops on September 2, 1864, and asked for protection for citizens and property.

  • Troup Hurt House Site

    Today a small stone church (now and artist studio) on Gen. Arthur Manigault’s brigade. Just up the street, a historical marker notes the location of DeGress’s guns, which were overrun by Manigault’s Confederates. Shells from these guns are said to have been the first to fall in Atlanta.

  • Walker Memorial Park

    Located at Memorial Drive and Clay Street, historical markers recount that the Battle of Atlanta began in this vicinity as Bate’s and Walker’s Confederate divisions attacked Dodge’s 16th Corps from the southeast. It was this fighting that Union Gen. McPherson observed just before riding to his death in the initial assaults of the battle.

  • Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta (NRHP)
    Grant Park
    800-C Cherokee Avenue, SE
    Atlanta, GA 30315
    404-658-7625
    Admission fee

    This internationally famous circular painting depicts the Battle of Atlanta which occurred on July 22, 1864. Painted by foreign artists between 1885-86, it later was embellished with three-dimensional figures in the 1930s. Major restoration work on the painting has been completed. Prior to viewing the Cyclorama, patrons can see The Atlanta Campaign, a short film on the battle narrated by James Earl Jones and featuring 5,000 Civil War reenactors. The Texas, famous locomotive that pursed The General in the Great Locomotive Chase of April 1862, is displayed in the lobby.

  • Battle of Ezra Church
    City of Atlanta’s Mozley Park
    1565 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. NW
    Atlanta, GA 30318
    404-758-1903

    Except for the historical markers in the park, not much remains of the Ezra Church battlefield of July 28, 1864. A small cemetery and monument are near the site where the little frame Methodist church stood.

  • Battle of Peachtree Creek
    City of Atlanta’s Tanyard Creek Park
    Collier and Redland Roads

    Historical markers in the park provide highlights for this famous battle launched by Gen. Hood on July 20, 1864, to drive off Gen. Sherman’s unrelenting advance on Atlanta. The battle began in the Clear Creek Valley area and moved progressively west to Howell Mill Road. In addition to the historical markers in the park, other markers can be found in the Piedmont Hospital vicinity (Peachtree and Collier roads); Collier Drive at the railroad; Bobby Jones Golf course opposite Colonial Homes Drive; the Northside Drive entrance to the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, Atlanta Memorial Park; and at Mr. Zion Church at Howell Mill Road, north of I-75.

  • The State Capitol Building (NRHP)
    Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Capitol Avenue
    Atlanta, GA 30334
    404-656-2844

    The Capitol Building displays a collection of historical portraits including those of Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President for the Confederacy, and Robert Toombs, Secretary of State for the Confederacy. Also on display is a collection of original Civil War battle flags. On the Capitol grounds are pre-Civil War cannons and several historical markers commemorating that battle, as well as statues of Joseph E. Brown, war governor of Georgia, and Georgia-born Gen. John B. Gordon. Tours of the Capitol building are offered.

Decatur
DeKalb County
  • DeKalb Historical Society Museum (NRHP)
    Old Courthouse on the Square
    Decatur, GA 30030
    404-373-1088
    Admission by donation

    DeKalb County history is the main focus of this local museum. It contains an exhibit featuring personal items which belonged to Civil War soldiers.

  • Mary Gay House (NRHP)
    716 West Trinity Place
    Decatur, GA 30031
    404-378-2162
    Tours by appointment only

    Mary Ann Harris Gay lived in this house from 1850 to 1914, and is best known for her Life in Dixie During the War, which describes the Union siege of Atlanta and the tribulations of the home front. From this house, Mary and her family witnessed the skirmishing in Decatur on July 22, 1864.

  • Swanton House (NRHP)
    720 West Trinity Place
    Decatur, GA 30031
    404-373-1088
    By appointment only

    This circa-1825 cottage with Federal-style interior woodwork is the oldest building in Decatur, around which fighting occurred during the Civil War.

Jonesboro
Clayton County
  • The Battle of Jonesboro
    Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau
    8712 Tara Boulevard
    Jonesboro, GA 30236

    The final action of the Atlanta Campaign was fought in the Jonesboro area, August 31 to September 1, 1864, when outnumbered Confederate forces under Gen. Hardee tried desperately, but unsuccessfully, to defend the remaining railroad to Atlanta. Today, there are a number of historic sites and historical markers within the Jonesboro Historic District, highlighting the Battle of Jonesboro.

    Exit 235 I-75, Tara Blvd.

  • Clayton County Courthouse (NRHP)

    Located at McDonough and King Streets, the courthouse was rebuilt in 1869 after being burned by Gen. Kilpatrick in 1864.

  • Crawford-Talmadge Plantation (NRHP) (also called Lovejoy Plantation)

    Fighting took place in the vicinity of this plantation (on Talmadge Road in Henry County, outside of the Jonesboro Historic District), and Gen. Hood assembled his troops here after the Battle of Atlanta. The house is open by appointment to groups of 30 or more.

  • Johnson-Blalock House (NRHP)

    In 1864, Confederate commissary supplies were stored at the home of Col. James F. Johnson, who signed the Georgia Secession Ordinance in 18681; the house also served as a hospital during and after the Battle of Jonesboro. Located on Main St., the house is privately owned and not open to the public.

  • Patrick R. Cleburne Memorial Cemetery (NRHP)

    Approximately 1,000 Confederate soldiers who died in the Battle of Jonesboro are buried in this cemetery, located at McDonough and Johnson streets.

  • Stately Oaks Mansion

    Union soldiers camped upon the grounds of this house, which originally stood four miles north of Jonesboro, but was moved to its present location on Lake Jodeco Road in 1972. Shown by appointment. 770-473-0197

  • Warren House (NRHP)

    This house, located on East Mimosa Drive, is an important battlefield landmark from which Union forces launched an all-out offensive. It also was used as a headquarters and hospital, first by the Southern troops, then by the Union soldiers. Signatures of Northern soldiers are still visible on the walls inside the house. The house is privately owned and not open to the public.

Kennesaw
Cobb County
  • Big Shanty Museum (NRHP)
    Big Shanty Village Historic District (NRHP)
    2829 Cherokee Street
    Kennesaw, GA 30144
    770-427-2117
    Admission fee

    The famous Civil War locomotive, The General, which figured prominently in the Great Locomotive chase of April 1862, is housed in an authentic cotton gin structure. The General is listed in the National Register. Other features include descriptive exhibitions and a video on Andrew’s Railroad Raid.

    Exit 273, I-75 and follow signs

  • Gilgal Church Battle Sit (NRHP)

    Although Gilgal Church was torn down for use in fortifications during the battle, the site is virtually unchanged from its appearance in 1864. The Due West Community Center recently was moved to the site. The battle at this site was one of an almost continuous series of skirmishes and major action lasting from June 10 to July 3, 1864, between Gen. Sherman’s Union troops and Gen. Johnston’s Confederate troops. Union entrenchments remain almost intact from the battle on June 15-16.

    From the Marietta town square, go west on state highway 120 (Whitlock Street). Proceed 5.8 miles to Due West Road. Turn right on Due West Road, proceed 1.2 miles to intersection with Kennesaw Due West. Turn right onto Kennesaw Due West and proceed about 150 yards to Gilgal Church on the left.

  • Kennesaw National Battlefield Park (NRHP)
    900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive
    Kennesaw, GA 30144
    770-427-4686

    Although a tactical defeat for Sherman, this is the site of a decisive battle in the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. The Visitor enter exhibit and slide program interpret surrounding events. A variety of other interpretive programs also are available. A network of foot trails trace a 16-mile loop from the Visitor Center to the Kolb Farm and back, much as the soldiers experienced them.

    Exit 269 I-75 2 miles west to US Hwy 41 and Old 41 or an alternate route Exit 1 I-575 follow signs

  • Battle of Pine Mountain (HM)
    Kennesaw, GA
    Privately owned

    Marker shows site of earthworks and the location of death of Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk, June 14, 1864.

    At Kennesaw National Battlefield Park entrance take Stilesboro Rd. to Beaumont Rd. To marker

Marietta
Cobb County
  • Cheney Plantation House (NRHP)
    Powder Springs Road
    Smyrna, GA
    Privately Owned

    Nestled among magnolias and large oak trees, this 1856 Greek Revival home was the headquarters of Union Gen. Schofield during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. The house was used by the Signal Corps, the Artillery and as a hospital during this time.

    I-75 to Exit 260 Windy Hill Rd, go west to Austell Road, turn left following Austell Road then right on Callaway Road to Powder Springs Road. Left on Powder Springs Road to Bankstone Road, the house is on the right.

  • Fair Oaks (NRHP)
    Marietta, GA

    This beautiful antebellum mansion was built in 1852. It served as Gen. Johnston’s headquarters during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Today it is home to the Marietta Educational Garden Center.

    I-75 Exit 265, go west 2 miles to Church St., turn left. Turn right onto Kennesaw Ave.

  • Glover Mansion (NRHP)
    780 S. Cobb Drive
    Marietta, GA

    The homes of William King, who kept a diary of the events that led to the Union occupation of Marietta and surrounding area.

    I-75 to Dobbins Air Force Base exit, this changes to South Cobb Drive; follow signs to 1848 Restaurant

  • Johnston’s River Line (NRHP)

    Remains of field fortifications, unique in design, bordering the North bank of the Chattahoochee River.

    I-75 to I-285 West, to Bankhead Highway, go North to Oakdale Road turn left to site

  • Kennesaw House (NRHP)
    Adjacent to the Marietta Welcome Center
    Marietta, GA

    Built in 1855 as a summer resort hotel called the Fletcher House, this is where Andrews’ Raiders met the night before they stole The General in April, 1862. During the War it housed confederate casualties and refugees from fighting to the north. It was used by Gen. Sherman as headquarters on July 3, 1864, and was burned in 1864. It was re-named after the war in honor of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

  • Marietta National Cemetery
    Washington Avenue and Cole Street
    Marietta, GA

    In 1866, in a gesture intended to help heal the country’s division Henry Green Cole donated the land for a joint Confederate and Union cemetery. The soldiers (3,000 unknown) who fell south of Resaca were buried here. Soldiers from subsequent wars are buried here as well, and memorial services are held on National and confederate Memorial Days to honor all buried there.

    A short distance east of the square, at Washington Avenue and Cole Street, is the Marietta National Cemetery, where over 10,000 Union soldiers from the battles of New Hope Church, Pickett’s Mill, and Kennesaw Mountain are buried. In the Confederate Cemetery at Powder Springs and West Atlanta streets, are buried 3,000 Confederate dead from every southern state.

    Exit 265 I-75,west 2.4 miles to Whitlock Ave, turn left, 3rd traffic light go straight on to Washington Ave, travel 6 miles to Cemetery entrance at Cole Street.

  • Western and Atlanta Passenger Depot (NRHP)
    Marietta Welcome Center
    4 Depot Street
    Marietta, GA
    770-429-1115

    The current Western and Atlantic Depot which houses the Marietta Welcome center was built in 1898 on the site of the 1840s depot that was destroyed by Gen. Sherman in 1864. In July 1864, Gen. Sherman burned both the downtown area and several of Marietta’s most significant enterprises, including two large cotton and woolen manufacturing operations. Many of the skilled factory workers were shipped North. Historical markers posted on the site of the restored 1898 railroad depot in the center of town relate important events that occurred in the area.

    Marietta consists of four National Register Historic Districts, containing a number of historic homes, churches and commercial structures. A walking/driving tour of historic Marietta and a Civil War driving tour are available from the center.

    Exit 265 I-75, go west 2.3 miles, turn left on Mill Street, parking lot on right

Palmetto
Coweta County

Windemere Plantation (NRHP)
1851 Collinsworth Road
Palmetto, GA 30268
770-463-0940
Tours by appointment

This 1850s Greek Revival modified plantation home is furnished with period furnishings and boasts a secrete hideaway used for food storage during the Civil War. The Masonic emblem embedded in the stair banister saved the home from destruction when Union troops captured it.

Roswell
Fulton County

Bulloch Hall (NRHP)
180 Bulloch Avenue
Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-1731
Admission fee

This circa-1840 home was built by James Bullock, a naval agent of the Confederacy, and grandfather of President Theodore Roosevelt. Now a museum featuring period rooms, a library, and a Civil War artifact room. Visitors to Bulloch Hall may also want to take a walking tour of the Historic District which features several structures surviving from the antebellum and Civil War periods: the Roswell Presbyterian Church on Mimosa boulevard served as a Union hospital in 1864; historical markers at Sloan and Mill streets describe the site of apartments which served as a hospital for Union soldiers in 1864 and the location of several mills and a tannery burned by Gen. Sherman.

Smyrna
Cobb County

  • Ruff’s Mill / Concord Covered Bridge (NRHP)

    Includes Ruff’s Mill, the miller’s house, Concord Covered Bridge, and the Concord Woolen Mill. Federal troops moved through here July 4, 1864, and burned the woolen mill that made cloth for the Confederate army. One and one quarter miles to the east was a battle involving En. Hood’s left flank. Listed in Smithsonian’s Guide to Historic America.

    I-75 to I-285 West, to South Cobb Drive, go north to left on Concord Road

  • Sope Creek (NRHP)

    Gen. Joseph Johnston’s extensive fortifications on the west side of the Chattahoochee River were soon rendered useless when on July 8, 1864, Federal troops under Gen. Schofield were able to cross at the Chattahoochee where Sope Creek meets the river. The ruins of the Sope Creek Mills, in the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, are still to be seen where Paper Mill Road crosses the creek.

    Exit 261 off I-75, east on Delk Road, go right on Powers Ferry to Terrell Mill Road. Left on Terrell Mill to Paper Mill Road; right on Paper Mill Road area in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Stone Mountain Park
DeKalb County

This multi-functional park surrounds and includes the world’s largest granite outcropping with a unique carving of three Confederate heroes (President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis, Gen. Stonewall Jackson, and Gen. Robert E. Lee) on horseback. The carving was dedicated to the Confederate soldiers and sailors. It also contains a relocated and restore antebellum plantation complex, one of the largest Civil War exhibits in the state, water powered grist mill, covered bridge, and the Georgia Heritage Museum.

I-285 to Stone Mountain Freeway (US 78) to the park