Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails

Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails - Events

June - July - August - September - October - November - December

AUGUST 2008

Cool History - Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3, National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus. This program utilizes the museums interior interpretive spaces to bring actual events from the Civil War to life. Past programs have included the attack on the Water Witch, blockade running from Havana, a report on the mission of the HL Hunley, medical demonstrations, the Battle of Memphis, the surrender of the CSS Tennessee, and the capture of the CSS Atlanta. Directions: I-185 to Exit #6, west on Macon Road, which changes to Wynnton Road, then south on 10th Avenue. 706-327-9798, www.portcolumbus.org.

Civil War Journeys at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace - Fridays, August 8 & 22, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, 10 East Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah. Explore Savannah’s Civil War experience. From battles to surrender, shortages and trials, through the visit of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, the story is always engaging. Like many American families, the Gordon’s had kith and kin fighting on both sides of the conflict. Expert professional staff lead an in-depth tour of the Juliette Low Birthplace with a focus on the Civil War era. Reservations required. Admission: $15.00. Directions: I-16 east to downtown Savannah, north on Montgomery Street, then east on Oglethorpe Avenue. 912-233-4501, http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/birthplace/.

Sacred Sounds at the Ringgold Depot - Friday, August 8, 7:30 pm, Historic Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot Street, Ringgold. Gospel music featuring professional entertainers and groups. Admission: $5.00. Directions: I-75 to Exit #348, north on Ga. Hwy. 151 to Nashville Street in Ringgold (a.k.a. U.S. Hwy. 41), then right on Nashville Street to Depot Street. The depot is on the left. 706-935-5290, www.cityofringgold.com.

Kennesaw Mountain Trails Workday - Saturday, August 9, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club helps maintain the trails at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. There are no membership requirements other than a willingness to work. Trail building experience not necessary. Meet at the park maintenance area behind the Visitor Center. The Park provides all necessary tools and safety equipment. 770-427-4686, www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm.

The Ringgold Opry - Saturday, August 9, 7:00 pm, Historic Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot Street, Ringgold. An evening of acoustic bluegrass and country music. Professionals and amateurs alike join together in jam sessions and concerts. Free admission. Directions: I-75 to Exit #348, north on Ga. Hwy. 151 to Nashville Street in Ringgold (a.k.a. U.S. Hwy. 41), then right on Nashville Street to Depot Street. The depot is on the left. 706-935-5290, www.cityofringgold.com.

Guided Battlefield Tour - Saturday, August 16, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, 4432 Mount Tabor Road, near Dallas. Take a guided tour on one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Terrain is rugged and it is recommended you wear proper gear for hiking. Admission: $1.75 to $3.00. Directions: Five miles northeast of Dallas off GA Hwy. 381 on Tabor Church Road, accessed by Dallas-Acworth Road or Due West Road. From I-20 take Exit #44 (Thornton Road). 770-443-7850, http://gastateparks.org/info/picketts/.

Nash Farm Commemoration - Sunday, August 17, Nash Farm Battlefield Park, 4361 Jonesboro Road, Hampton. Observance on the anniversary of the largest cavalry battle during the Atlanta Campaign, fought on these very grounds. Directions: I-75 to Exit #221 (Jonesboro Road), then west about 6 miles. Entrance is on the left. 770-957-5786, www.henrycountybattlefield.com/.

Labor Day “Living History” - Saturday, August 30, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Jefferson Davis Memorial State Historic Site, Irwinville. Learn about home-front living during the Civil War as re-enactors demonstrate cooking to sewing. Learn how to cook with only a fireplace, then taste your knowledge. Admission: $1.75 to $3.00. Directions: I-75 to Exit #78, go east 14 miles on GA Hwy. 32 to Irwinville. Turn left on Jeff Davis Park Road and proceed one mile to the site (on left). 229-831-2335, http://gastateparks.org/info/jeffd/.

“Blue vs Gray” Celebration - Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah. Activities include cannon firings, skirmish drills, Civil War soldier talks, and guided fort tours. The highlight of the day will be an 1862-style “Blue vs Gray” baseball game between members of the 48th New York and the 8th Georgia Regiments. Admission: $3.00. From I-16, take U.S. Highway 80 East. Follow signs for Fort Pulaski, Tybee Island and beaches. Fort Pulaski National Monument entrance is approximately 15 miles east of downtown Savannah. 912-786-5787, www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm.

Labor Day at Fort McAllister - Saturday, August 30, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Richmond Hill. Civil War labor was much like ours today. Witness blacksmithing, woodworking and cannon firing demonstrations. Bring the kids to take part in old-fashion Civil War games. Pack a lunch and have a cool slice of melon with us. Admission: $2.50 to $4.00. Directions: I-95, Exit #90, then 10 miles east via GA Hwy. 144, look for signs. 912-727-2339, http://gastateparks.org/.

Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Journey In Time Exhibit - January 26 through September 7, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw. Explore the physical, cultural, ideological borders that contributed to the Civil War through computer programs and interactive artifact reproductions. By looking at the way borders were drawn and perceived before, during, and after the War, visitors develop a deeper comprehension of the different and sometimes contentious meanings of personal “liberty.” Admission fee. Directions: I-75 to Exit #273, turn west on Wade Green Road (which becomes Cherokee Street). The museum is on the right hand side; parking is directly across the street on the left. 770-427-2117, http://southernmuseum.org/.

Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art - August 23 through October 19, Morris Museum of Art, 1 Tenth Street, Suite 320, Augusta. This exhibition examines depictions of plantation structures, plantation views, and related slave imagery as a special part of the American landscape tradition. Admission fee. Directions: I-20 to Exit #200 (Riverwatch Parkway), turn left and follow River Watch Parkway into downtown Augusta, which turns into Jones Street, left onto 10th Street, cross Reynolds Street and turn left onto Tatnall Street; museum parking is the second entrance on the right. 706-724-7501, www.themorris.org/.