5 Must-Visit Georgia Sites That Offer A Glimpse Of Civil War History (2024)

Georgia played a very crucial role in the American Civil war, and evidence of the same is still to be seen. Georgia was one of the slave states (originally one of the seven) that triggered the Civil War by forming the Confederate States of America. Though Georgia initially was relatively free from warfare after 1863, 550 battles and skirmishes took place within the State. Most of them happened during the last two years of war and literally shook the place.

From classic museums to the real-time battlefield and result-changing areas, Georgia takes along a rich Civil War history. There are forts, battlegrounds, monuments, and prisons that narrate powerful experiences and informative tales of those times. Whether you are a Civil war enthusiast or not, these heritage sites are surely a must-visit for you.

5 Must-Visit Georgia Sites That Offer A Glimpse Of Civil War History

Here are some of our choicest picks for the most popular Civil War sites in Georgia. Have a look:

1. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Preserving and commemorating the sites of Civil war battles, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park are a must-visit in Georgia. The military park is located in the northern part of Georgia and is popular for two major Civil battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Siege of Chattanooga. It is a popular Civil war attraction today and draws a number of tourists every year. The park is home to four units, including Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Point Park, Moccasin Bend, and Missionary Ridge. It also boasts a visitor’s center known for its extensive Civil war-related exhibits. The center also operates an orientation film and fiber optic map, offers maps of hiking and biking routes, and guides people on whatever it is to explore and learn around.

2. Fort Pulaski

Sticking to the coast, Fort Pulaski is a must-visit Georgia site that offers a glimpse of Civil War history. It is located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island and preserves the truth of the American Civil War. It is basically recognized as a National Monument and includes adjacent McQueens Island and a huge part of the Cockspur Island itself. During wartime, the main objective of the fort was to protect the City of Savannah from naval attacks. And for doing the same, it had brick-made walls, which were 11 feet thick and thus were very difficult for any cannon artillery to penetrate. However, in April 1862, the Union forces finally took the fort under attack. Today, the place is a matter of interest for war enthusiasts. Individuals visiting here can go for guided fort tours and visit Visitor Center & Museum for one-of-a-kind insights. Or take the walking trails, especially the North Pier Trail.

3. Stone Mountain Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park is just 16 miles east of Atlanta city. This 3,200-acre world of recreation and family fun is a major destination for civil war buffs. Even though no battle took place here, the park still holds extreme value in this historic chapter. Right in the middle of the park is the largest exposed mass of granite in the world. It is basically a memorial carving on the face of a mountain and is competing with the size of a football ground. Other major features of the park include the Discovering Stone Mountain Museum featuring a huge Civil war collection and a restored antebellum plantation. Besides that, visitors also consider exploring the short broadcast tower on the top of the mountain. Or, the scenic stone mountain trails going all the way towards the summit are what attract enthusiasts the most. If you are in or around Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is definitely one fine place for you to visit.

4. Historic Roswell

While you are in Atlanta, do add the Historic Roswell District to your Georgian Civil war sites list. From its beginning as a Mill town to the Civil war Battles that erupted around, Rosewell has been full of history and heritage. To begin with is the Roswell Mill and Old Mill Park built in the 1800s as leading providers of goods to the Confederacy during the Civil War. Next is the Georgian Old Machine Shop. This Mill was burned down by Union troops, and over 400 children and women were arrested. Individuals can access the interpretive trail to the left of the Machine Shop and see the old mill ruins and the waterfall created by the dam. Close by is a monument dedicated to the lost workers of Mill. Other popular features of the district include a Covered Pedestrian Bridge, the Roswell Presbyterian Church, the Faces of War Memorial, and Canton Street.

5. Oakland Cemetery

Originally known as Atlanta Cemetery, the Oakland Cemetery is a 48-acre park and historic site in southeast Atlanta. It is the oldest extant burial ground in the City and also one of the largest cemetery green spaces in the State. This popular Civil war landmark has a notable connection with the war. About 3,000 Confederate soldiers and several Union soldiers are finally resting for their afterlife here. The interesting fact is that during the War of Atlanta, the Confederate commander John B. Hood set up his headquarters in the northern part of the Cemetery inside a two-story farmhouse. Besides the Civil war tales, the Cemetery is also famous for its ancient oaks, magnolias, gardens, sculpture, and astounding architecture. Not just that, but the locals of Atlanta and other neighbourhoods also choose it as their wedding venue.

NOTE: The Oakland Cemetery has seasonal values due to the dramatic garden beauty here. One of the best times to visit here is during the month of October and Halloween. The Cemetery operates 365 days a year from dusk to dawn and offers free admissions to all.