Last weekend, the Atlanta History Center commemorated one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War – the Battle of Peachtree Creek. The programs and activities were designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the war – especially Atlanta’s role within it.
The Battle of Peachtree Creek was fought in Georgia on July 20, 1864, as part of the Atlanta Campaign in the American Civil War. The attack was against Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s Union army which was perched on the doorstep of Atlanta. The main armies in the conflict were the Union Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by Lt. Gen. John B. Hood. The battle of Peachtree Creek was the first battle fought by Hood as commander of the Army of Tennessee.
Guests to the Atlanta History Center traveled back in time to the 1860s Smith Family Farm to meet soldiers from both sides of the conflict and residents of a small Georgia farm as they prepare for the Battle of Peachtree Creek. Inside the museum were tours of the signature exhibitionTurning Point: The American Civil War and the new exhibition Confederate Odyssey: The George W. Wray Jr. Civil War Collection. Robert D. Jenkins, author of The Battle of Peach Tree Creek: Hood’s First Sortie spoke about his book. Civil War Improv performances and a concert featuring Little Country Giants completed the experience.
Beatrix Clark a junior interpreter for the Atlanta History Center welcomes guest.
Lindsay Foster portrays Clara Mason at the Smith Family Farm.
Kelly Whitfield portrays Civil War homefront activities on porch of Tullie House at Atlanta History Center’s Smith Family Farm.
Rev. Archibald Everhart (1821-1899) is deep in thought. His neighbor Glory Bell patiently waits for his advice.
Charlie Howard (Alex Calloway) and Clara Mason (Lindsay Foster) experience the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one.
Mary Howard is packing a trunk in preparation to leave Atlanta as the armies approach. (Portrayed by Natalie Heath)
An attentive audience watches Clara Mason pack the final items.
Betsy Sprayberry (Jessi Gordy) takes a moment to read the news.
Betsy Sprayberry (Jessi Gordy) demonstrates that a corset is rather difficult to fasten.
Betsy Sprayberry (Jessi Gordy) snaps her last garment as she gets ready to meet her beau.
Courtney Thomas, Ben Thomas and Weston Manders entertain guests with Civil War Improv.
Civil War Improv by Duluth Dandies – Courtney Thomas, Terry Guest, Weston Manders.
Kevin Edmiston portrays Civil War soldier giving Weird History tours in Turning Point.
Little Country Giants entertained the patrons with traditional Americana music.