The Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Photo courtesy of London Looks via Flickr.
There are certain events that will forever define a place; the Civil War has shaped Atlanta’s past and has created some of the most visited places in its present. From the Battle of Atlanta to Sherman’s March to the Sea, the Civil War defined the city in more ways than one. Today, there are several attractions dedicated to the history of the Civil War in Atlanta, allowing guests to delve into the causes and effects of this seminal event.
Atlanta Cyclorama and Museum
Home to an immense painting that details the 1864 Battle of Atlanta on the walls of the circular building, the Cyclorama allows guests to completely immerse themselves in the details of the fight. The largest oil painting in the world, the Atlanta Cyclorama was completed in 1886 and has been on display since 1893. The museum portion features photographs, artifacts and weapons as well as the locomotive Texas, which chased and recaptured the locomotive General (on display in the Kennesaw Mountain Civil War Museum), after Union raiders stole it.
Atlanta History Center
One of the best places to start is the Atlanta History Center and its exhibition, “Turning Point: The American Civil War.” This comprehensive exhibit, which is one of the largest in the country, not only displays objects such as uniforms and flags, but also presents photos, videos and personal stories, illustrating the impact of the war on the South and its citizens.
Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta’s oldest cemetery, Oakland Cemetery was established in 1850 and is the final resting place of five Confederate generals, approximately 3,000 Confederate soldiers and 16 Union soldiers. Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind, is also buried here. Stop by the center for a walking tour to help navigate the 88-acres and identify headstones of interest.
Inman Park
Now an idyllic Atlanta neighborhood, Inman Park is the site of some of the most brutal fighting in the Battle of Atlanta, which took place on July 22, 1864. The area became the first planned community and many beautiful Victorian homes are located here, including Callan Castle, the home of former Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain, the largest piece of exposed granite in the world, has been carved with a portrait of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and ‘Stonewall’ Jackson. These Confederate heroes are highlighted in a laser show that takes place at the park nightly. Guests often hike to the top of the mountain and also visit the authentic, pre-Civil War antebellum plantation with original buildings built between 1790 and 1845.
Outside of Atlanta
Jonesboro, located about 30 minutes south of Atlanta, was the scene of several Civil War battles, including the 1864 Battle of Jonesboro, which ultimately resulted in the fall of Atlanta. Historic Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta, and Roswell both have museums and sights dedicated to the Civil War. These areas are located approximately 30 minutes north of Atlanta and 45 minutes from each other.
Most of the significant Atlanta battlefields are lost beneath the blueprint of the city’s skyline, a result of the rapid development after war. However, some roadside markers remain, marking the past among the busy streets of modern day Atlanta.
Want to explore these and other Atlanta attractions? Purchase an Atlanta CityPASS and gain entrance to the Atlanta History Center and other premiere Atlanta attractions.
–Katie Coakley
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