Atlanta, GA

 

One reason this trip is so great is because I actually get to relive some of the Civil War history. I have read a bunch of books, and watched documentaries but I feel like actually being there in person will have a completely different effect on me. Also McElwee filmed some of his documentary in Atlanta because Sherman came through here on his campaign. It will be interesting then to view this city through my lens, McElwee’s lens, and the Civil War lens. I feel I shall walk away with a whole new perspective.

The Battle of Atlanta oil painting. Photo Credit: Atlanta-restaurants.org

Today we are going to get a combo of museum and battlefield. Atlanta Cyclorama Civil War museum offers a 14-minute video of the battle at Atlanta, a diorama (3d attraction), many civil war artifacts and the world’s largest oil painting done by artists from Germany in 1885-86 replicating the battle at Atlanta. Then we will head over to the actual site of the Atlanta battlefield. 

1960s Marietta St, Atlatna, Ga. Photo Credit:usg.edu

Present day Marietta St, Atlanta, Ga. Photo Credit:neighboorhoodcity.com

In the Battle of Atlanta, Rebel General Hood planned to attack General McPherson’s army. He moved his troops to inner Atlanta, enticing Sherman to follow him. He split his troops and had then all attacking at different places. One was to attack the east and rear Union flank, one was to attack Sherman’s supply lines, and the other would attack the Union force from the front. The battle raged on and it seemed the rebels has the upper hand. They wrapped up the east and rear flank and were beginning to get through the front when Sherman came and massed twenty artillery pieces to halt the rebel’s drive. The union troops held and Hood suffered high losses.

After our long filled day of history, we will grab some food and hit the bars of Atlanta, followed by sleep.