Georgias Civil War History Comes Alive Through the States Historic Sites

Atlanta, June 17, 2011- Journey through Georgia's rich Civil War history and discover a heritage as unique as the state it's in. Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war by traveling the state and uncovering attractions only found in Georgia. Get acquainted with Georgia's Civil War history by visiting the many battleground sites that pepper the state. Start by heading to Chickamauga to see the nation's oldest and largest military park, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Known as the 'Gettysburg of the South,' Chickamauga is a city rich in Civil War heritage. While there, stop in at the Gordon-Lee Mansion and Lee and Gordon's Mills. Next, head south towards Resaca, a community torn apart by Civil War battle in May of 1864. The town features a Confederate cemetery initiated by Mary Green, a local girl who sought to provide burial for those killed in the battles of Resaca and Chickamauga. South of Resaca in Dallas, just northwest of Atlanta, is the Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site. Pickett's Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors can travel the roads, see the structures, and walk in the footsteps of Union and Confederate soldiers. Continue towards the Georgia coast to Richmond Hill, southwest of Savannah, for the Fort McAllister Historic Park. The park is home to the best preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The fortification guarding the city of Savannah withstood seven Union attacks before being taken by Gen. William T. Sherman during his March to the Sea. Those seeking sites that were less war-torn can go to the Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, north of Americus. The site is home to a military prison used during the Civil War, the Anderson National Cemetery and the National Prisoner of War Museum. Gravesites of other Civil War notables such as Lewis Clute, the man credited with the capture of Jefferson Davis, and Gen. James Longstreet, second-in-command to Gen. Lee, can be found at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald and the Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville. Longstreet's Piedmont Hotel can also be found in Gainesville. The charm of the Antebellum South has been captured in time with the preservation of numerous historic homes that now house museums. The Brown House Museum in Sandersville was used as Gen. Sherman's headquarters on his March to the Sea. Gen. Sherman also took time to stay at the Brumby Hall and Gardens in Marietta, northwest of Atlanta. He spared Brumby Hall, the home of his former West Point classmate, as he burned its surrounding areas. Sherman also made headquarters in the Oakleigh home in Calhoun. The Old Governor's Mansion, a beautiful display of historic architecture and preservation, is located in Milledgeville. Here you can take a Labor Behind the Veil Tour to learn about the working lives of the men and women who tended to the mansion and its large grounds.  Heading north to Athens, visitors can find the T.R.R. Cobb House. This former home to Confederate general and author of the Confederate Constitution houses one of Athens' newest history museums. East of Athens in Washington is the Robert Toombs Historic Site, which is the former home of the Georgia state legislator, who has a Confederate general and avid secessionist. Visitors can view exhibits recounting his involvement in the national politics of the Civil War in his restored home. Another great way to visit important Civil War sites it to embark on a guided tour along a historic pathway. The self-guided Macon County Driving Tour in Montezuma exhibits historic homes and churches spared during the Civil War. Visitors can follow the Jefferson Davis Heritage Trail, the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail or the Georgia Blue and Gray Trail across the state to retrace pivotal moments in Georgia Civil War history. Those visiting St. Simons can be taken back in time by A Civil War Diary: A historical walking tour of St. Simons Island. Guided by a Union soldier recounting his time in St. Simons, this historical performance brings history alive. History continues to take on a life of its own at the Atlanta Cyclorama. The world's largest circular painting depicts the Battle of Atlanta, and is complemented by narration and special effects to provide a unique learning experience. The cyclorama is also home to the Civil War Museum and 'The Texas,' a locomotive used in the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. 'The General' can be viewed at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. To view other Civil War relics, visitors can make their way to Savannah for the Civil War Flag Exhibit being held at the Georgia Historical Society. Other artifacts, including Confederate uniforms and primary documents, can be found at the home of the Confederate vice president at the A.H. Stephens Historic Park in Crawfordville. The Atlanta History Center has one of the nation's largest Civil War exhibits and will feature new exhibits, such as 'War in Our Backyards: Discovering Atlanta 1861-1865,' over the course of the sesquicentennial. From mansions to locomotives, to battlefields and cemeteries, visitors are sure to find Georgia rich in Civil War history. The state's antebellum homes and major role in the Civil War have become integral to its heritage. Experience the complication and excitement of the Civil War South as you visit one of the state's many historical offerings.  For more information about the Civil War in Georgia visit www.gacivilwar.org. To learn more about traveling in Georgia visit www.exploregeorgia.org. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.