Atlanta Travel Guide

Civil War Trail

Atlanta was obviously in the midst of the action throughout the Civil War, and many opportunities exist to learn about what many here still refer to -- with tongue in cheek -- as "the war of Northern aggression." Begin with a visit to the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum, in Grant Park. The building housing the Cyclorama also contains a museum of related artifacts, the most important being the steam locomotive Texas from the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase. Other exhibits include displays of Civil War arms and artillery, Civil War-themed paintings, portraits of Confederate and Union leaders, "life in camp" artifacts and photographs, and uniforms.

Next, venture northwest to the Kennesaw Mountain/National Battlefield Park, a 2,884-acre park established in 1917 on the site of a crucial Civil War battle in the Atlanta campaign of 1864. Some 2 million visitors come annually to explore the Confederate entrenchments and earthworks, some of them featuring Civil War artillery. Located in the same vicinity is the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, operated in association with the Smithsonian Institute, which means that Civil War and transportation objects from the Smithsonian are incorporated into the exhibits here. It was here that the wild adventure known as the Great Locomotive Chase began. The museum, occupying a building that was once the Frey cotton gin, houses the General locomotive; a walk-through caboose; exhibits of Civil War artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs (including those relating to the chase and its participants); and exhibits on railroads. You can view a 20-minute narrated video about the chase, but if you really want the full story, pick up the Disney movie The Great Locomotive Chase, starring Fess Parker, available in the museum gift shop.

Even Oakland Cemetery is ripe with Civil War history, as among the more than 48,000 people buried here are Confederate and Union soldiers, including five Southern generals. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this outstanding 88-acre Victorian cemetery was founded in 1850. Two monuments honor the Confederate war dead. Standing at the marker that commemorates the Great Locomotive Chase, you can see the trees from which the Yankee raiders were hanged; the Confederate train conductor Capt. William Fuller is buried nearby.

African-American History

Atlanta is ripe with ties to the rich history of African Americans and the civil rights movement. After all, this is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. And all of the sites are full of learning opportunities, so bring the whole family along this sightseeing trail, beginning with the APEX (African-American Panoramic Experience) Museum in the Sweet Auburn district. Featuring exhibits on the history of Sweet Auburn and the African-American experience, the museum includes a children's gallery with interactive displays.

Leaving the APEX, follow the walking tour for Sweet Auburn, which includes the King Center, Dr. King's final resting place, where late wife Rosetta King will soon join him in Freedom Plaza. Next, the Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr., is open for half-hour guided tours. Though the tour is free, you must get tickets at the National Park Service Visitor Center on Auburn Avenue. Don't miss Ebenezer Baptist Church or the Herndon Building, named for an ex-slave who went on to found the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the second-largest black insurance company in the country. Built in the early 1900s, the Butler Street YMCA was a popular meeting place for civil rights leaders. And the Sweet Auburn Curb Market offers fare not often enjoyed outside of the South.

For answers about African-American history, visit the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History. Several churches located along the avenue, such as Big Bethel AME and First Congregational, helped build and maintain the heritage of the street. The Royal Peacock Club provided an elegant setting where many African Americans could perform and bring the changing styles of black popular music to Atlanta.