When I was a kid one of the stories my maternal grandmother used to tell was about growing up on “Mission ridge”. She talked about picking mini-balls up from the yard. This was the ammunition commonly used by Civil War soldiers on both sides.
It took me years to figure out that actually meant Missionary Ridge. This battle in Rossville, Georgia was the final fight for control of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Many of the Civil War battlefield sites are part of the Georgia State Park and National Park Service. As such these are open to the public. Other sites are on private property. To respect property owners this list will concentrate on the public properties. This is not a full list but an overview of some of the more popular sites. See the link at the bottom of the article for a full list of Georgia Civil War battlefields.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain, GA
The battle of Lookout Mountain is commonly referred to as the “battle above the clouds.” Two stories exist to explain the name. One is that the dense fog created a ring above the mountain. A second story is that the battle received its name because of the smoke from the heavy fighting surrounding the mountain.
The road to the Lookout Mountain Battlefield is steep with many corkscrew turns. I-24 is the closest interstate. Directions can be confusing. Visitors would do well to follow a map.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views from the top of the mountain. There is a visitor center and interpretive area. It can be crowded during the summer months as there may be encampments and recreated military life. There is a nominal per person entry fee.
Chickamauga Battlefield
Fort Oglethorpe, GA
From I-75 take Georgia exit 350 onto Battlefield Parkway toward Fort Oglethorpe for about 3 miles to Lafayette Road and follow the signs. This map link may help.
There is no fee to enter this battlefield. In addition to the many monuments, the park features an interactive auto tour. At each stop of the tour visitors can hear a prerecorded message by calling a number on their cell phone. Putting the message on speakerphone made it possible for both me and my daughter to hear the message. Pick up information at the visitor center.
Civil War Battlefields in Georgia
Kennesaw National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw, GA
This site marks the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, a picnic area and interpretive center.
If you visit during the week you can drive to the main battlefield at the top of the mountain. On weekends the area is so crowded that you have to use their shuttle. The park is free but there is a fee to ride the shuttle.
The battlefield is a few miles off of I-75N. Take exit #269 at Barrett Parkway and follow the signs. If you are coming from another way these directions may be helpful.
Civil War Battlefields in Georgia
Fort Pulaski
Savannah, GA
One of the reasons this battle is famous is because it was the last time a brick fort was built for battle.
Visitors may want to allow more than one day to visit this park. The daily guided fort tours take just under an hour. There is a full activity schedule for each day of the week. You will want to view the full schedule online to maximize your visit to this Civil War site.
Click here for information on all of the Civil War sites in Georgia. A photo slideshow of the Chickamauga Battlefield by this author is here.
Source:
Personal Experience
Chickamauga Battlefield
Lookout Mountain Battlefield
National Park Service Georgia State Parks
