Civil War Events  | October

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October 2018

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GA-50th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival - Friday through Sunday, October 5 through 7, Adairsville Historic Square, downtown Adairsville GA. Popular arts and crafts festival in the town that witnessed Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade. Today the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy craft booths, food, entertainment, and Saturday morning parade, with street dance on Friday evening and gospel singing on Sunday. Don’t miss the special festival activities inside the depot at the Age of Steam Rail Depot Museum. Downtown Adairsville is located along the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: https://www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-atlanta-campaign.html. Friday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Admission: $3.00. Directions: I-75 to Exit 306, west on Georgia Hwy. 140 to Main Street, turn left then go one mile to Adairsville Public Square. 770-773-3451, www.adairsvillega.net


GA-Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation - Fridays, October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6:30 to 8:00 pm each evening, Hofwyl-Broadfield State Historic Site, 5556 U.S. Hwy. 17 North, Brunswick GA. Take an eerie journey back in time at coastal Georgia’s most haunted rice plantation. As you walk beneath centuries old Live Oaks, explore the slave cabins and out-buildings on the plantation and a lantern tour of the main house you will hear tales of recent ghostly encounters, plantation folklore and the rich but tragic history of the Low Country rice fields. Admission: $15.00. 912-264-7333, http://gastateparks.org/HofwylBroadfieldPlantation


GA-Heritage Day at William Harris Homestead - Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, William Harris Homestead, 3636 GA Hwy. 11, Monroe GA. Numerous 18th and 19th century living history displays of Native American life, archeological excavations, early Georgia settlements, a Civil War era reenactment, with many hands-on activities! Music by the 8th Regiment Band, bluegrass music and more, plus plenty of food for purchase. William Harris Homestead is an authentic 1825 log home with a smokehouse and other outbuildings. Admission: Adults $10.00, Children (ages 5 to 11) $6.00. 770-267-5844, www.harrishomestead.com


GA-The History of Indian Springs - Saturday, October 6, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Indian Springs State Park, 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla GA. Learn about the history of Indian Springs and how much this area has changed over the years. Take a tour of the park’s museum, sample the spring water and spend the day at Indian Springs State Park. A portion of General Sherman’s army camped overnight at Indian Springs during their March to the Sea: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/MarchToTheSeaBrochure.pdf. Admission: $5.00 parking. 770-504-2277, http://gastateparks.org/IndianSprings


GA-Candlelight History Tour of Marietta’s Confederate Cemetery - Saturday, October 6, 7:00 pm, Marietta Confederate Cemetery, 395 Powder Springs Street, Marietta GA. Step back in time by coming to the Marietta Confederate Cemetery’s gazebo. Bring a chair or a blanket (but no alcoholic beverages) to enjoy music by Laney House. Take a cemetery tour after the music: Hear stories from many of the "residents" of the cemetery as well as their family and friends portrayed by local actors and volunteers. Rain date is October 20th. Tickets: Adults $15.00, Seniors & Students $10.00, Children under age 12 are free. www.mariettaconfederatecemetery.org/events.html


GA-Candlelight Hike to the Mill - Saturday, October 6, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs GA. This one mile-long guided night hike is moderately difficult and goes to the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns are provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. No reservations. Admission: $5.00 per person plus $5.00 parking; cash only. 770-732-5871, http://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek


GA-Battle of Allatoona Pass Remembered - Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day, Allatoona Pass Battlefield, Acworth GA. Reenactors and historians will commemorate the 154th anniversary of the battle. Tour the hillside and the railroad cut through the pass. Walk the trails, visit the star fort earthworks, and follow the old Tennessee Road just as the soldiers did in 1864. Explore daily life in the tent city. See rifle and cannon firing demonstrations. Allatoona Pass Battlefield is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/AtlantaCampaignBrochure.pdf. FREE admission. Directions: I-75 Exit 283. Go east, cross railroad and continue 1-1/2 mile to the battle site. Additional parking and shuttle are available at Allatoona Landing Marina, just beyond the event site. 770-975-0055, http://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain


GA-Civil War Music Program - Sunday, October 7, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park GA. Music during the Civil War served many functions. Not only did it help to organize and rally, but also went a long way to boost morale among the soldiers. Join musician and living historian K.D. Sellers as she demonstrates this using the fife. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/AtlantaCampaignBrochure.pdf. FREE admission. 770-427-4686, www.nps.gov/kemo


AL-She Rode With Forrest: Emma Sansom and Forrest at Black Creek - Thursday, October 11, 6:00 pm, Elliott Community Center, 2829 West Meighan Boulevard, Gadsden AL. Dr. Brandon Beck, author of 12 books and Founder/Director Emeritus of the McCormick Civil War Institute at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, will speak on Emma Sansom and General Nathan B. Forrest at Black Creek (Gadsden, AL) during the Streight Raid, May 2, 1863. FREE admission; donations appreciated. 256-515-0040, www.etowahhistory.org  


AL-Atlanta Campaign Logistics - Thursday, October 11, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Elks Lodge 1648, 725 Franklin Street SE, Huntsville AL. Historian Greg Biggs will speak on the topic “Atlanta Campaign Logistics” during the monthly meeting of the Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table. FREE admission. Come at 5:30 to partake of the chicken buffet/salad bar offered by the Elks for $8.95. 256-425-7298, www.tvcwrt.org


GA-Fall Ramble in Covington & Newton County - Friday through Sunday, October 12 through 14, Covington, Oxford and throughout Newton County GA. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation invites you to experience the rich history and southern hospitality of Covington and Newton County. Often called the “Hollywood of the South,” Covington and Newton County boast an array of historic homes and sites, including many with connections to the Civil War era, that have been featured in movies and television shows around the world. Covington, Oxford and Newton County are all on the “Left Wing” historic driving route of the March to the Sea Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/MarchToTheSeaBrochure.pdf. The weekend’s schedule includes:

---Friday, October 12, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm: Rambles through Covington and Porterdale

---Saturday, October 13, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm: Breakfast, Rambles through Covington and Oxford, Dinner

---Sunday, October 14, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm: Brunch, Rambles through Mansfield and Newborn

Registration fee required. 404-885-7812, www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/


GA-Kennesaw Mountain Trails Workday - Saturday, October 13, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park GA. Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club is a volunteer organization designed to assist with trail maintenance at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Trained crew leaders lead teams of volunteers on trail work projects throughout the park. Trail building experience is not necessary. Meet at the parking lot on Old Highway 41. The Park provides all necessary tools and safety equipment. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-atlanta-campaign.html. 770-427-4686, www.kennesawmountaintrailclub.org (check beforehand concerning possible cancellation due to cold or bad weather).


GA-Mule Day - Saturday, October 13, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Callaway Plantation, 2160 Lexington Road, Washington GA. Mule Day is a celebration of rural farm life in Georgia from the late 1700’s to 1900, including the Civil War years. There will be Mule Plowing contests and a Mule Show with cash prizes. Throughout the day demonstrators will show how farms produced their own turpentine, wood shingles, pine straw baskets, soap and more. A blacksmith will show how horse shoes and nails were made. Callaway Plantation tells the story of one family’s 200 year progression from a humble log cabin to a Greek-Revival mansion. You can tour a one room school house, a 1785 log cabin, a 1790 Federal home and an 1869 brick manor house. Children can enjoy many hands-on activities such as mule plowing, rope making, and weaving on a loom. They can interact with animals through pony rides and a petting zoo. A talented group of musicians will be playing throughout the day. Vendors from around the Southeast will be selling their delicious foods and beautiful arts & crafts. The City of Washington is located on the historic driving route of the Jefferson Davis Heritage Trail: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/index.html. Admission: $10.00 per carload. 706-678-2013, www.washingtonwilkes.org


GA-Pioneer Days - Saturday, October 13, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Traveler's Rest State Historic Site, 4339 Riverdale Road, Toccoa GA. Living historians will share their stories and demonstrate the skills of the early settlers in Northeast Georgia during the years prior to the Civil War. Learn about blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, primitive weaponry, open-hearth cooking and woodcarving. Enjoy lively music provided by local musicians. Admission $1.00 to $5.00. 706-356-4362, https://gastateparks.org/TravelersRest


GA-Cabin Life at Pickett’s Mill - Saturday, October 13, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, 4432 Mount Tabor Church Road, Dallas GA. Join civilian reenactors at our original 164-year-old log cabin. We will be tilling the garden, cooking over a fire, and portraying daily life of the mid-19th century, plus period games for kids. Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-atlanta-campaign.html. Admission: Adults $5.50, Seniors (ages 62+) $3.50, Youth (ages 6 to 17) $3.00. 770-443-7850, http://georgiastateparks.org/PickettsMillBattlefield


GA-Candle Lantern Tour - Saturday, October 13, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Fort McAllister State Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill GA. Join us for our annual candlelight guided tours! Come see soldiers go about their evening duties and experience what life was like for those living on the Georgia coast during the Civil War. You'll get to stop by our lovely barracks house for some sweet treats before being treated to an exclusive night-time firing of our cannon! Tours held every half hour, the last at 8:30 pm. Fort McAllister is located at the termination of the “Right Wing” historic driving route of the March to the Sea Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-march-to-the-sea.html. Admission: Adults $9.00, Seniors (62+) $8.00, Youth (6 to 17) $5.00. 912-727-2339, http://gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister


GA-47th Annual Prater’s Mill Country Fair - Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14, Prater’s Mill, Varnell (about ten miles northeast of Dalton) GA. Stroll among nearly 200 displays of original artwork and craft demonstrations. Watch live demonstrations of blacksmiths, quilters, weavers and woodcarvers, or view antique automobiles and tractors. Taste the finest Southern cooking and tap your toes to authentic bluegrass and country music. Visit the historic Civil War era mill, used as a campsite at different times by both Union and Confederate soldiers. Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday until 5:00 pm. Admission: Adults $7.00, Children under 12 free. I-75 to Exit #341, north on GA Hwy. 201 to GA Hwy. 2, then east. 706-694-6455, www.PratersMill.org


GA-Artillery Demonstrations at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield - Sunday, October 14, 11:00 to 4:00 pm, Front field near the Visitor Center, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw GA. Artillery demonstrations show visitors the steps taken to fire cannon during the Civil War. Each program lasts 30 to 40 minutes and includes an explanation of the role of artillery during the Atlanta Campaign and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Artillerists explain the steps of firing a cannon, explaining the role of each person working the cannon. Afterwards the process is performed in real time and the cannon is fired. Visitors are encouraged to maintain close control of their pets during firing, as it can be loud, and please prepare small children for the sudden burst of sound. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/AtlantaCampaignBrochure.pdf. FREE admission. 770-427-4686, www.nps.gov/kemo/


AL-Clio's Confederates: The Women Who Gave Me My Path - Monday, October 15, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, University of South Alabama, 307 North University Boulevard, Mobile AL. Noted author John Sledge looks back at the women who shaped his love of writing about Alabama and Civil War history during the monthly meeting of the Mobile, Alabama War Between the States / Civil War Roundtable. Meeting is in the cafeteria conference room in the dorm area. FREE admission. www.facebook.com/groups/1428716707246996/permalink/1646628392122492/?comment_id=1646658935452771&reply_comment_id=1646797425438922¬if_id=1526976474318431¬if_t=group_comment_mention


GA-How the Civil War Still Lives - Monday, October 15, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road, Augusta GA. Dr. James I. “Bud” Robertson, Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech University and author of numerous Civil War books will speak on the topic entitled “How the Civil War Still Lives” during the monthly meeting of the Augusta Civil War Round Table. Free admission for first time visitors. 706-736-2909, gfy@gwenfulcheryoung.com


GA-Atlanta to Savannah, A Cyclist’s Guidebook - Tuesday, October 16, 6:00 pm, Historic Rockdale Courthouse, 922 Court Street (please enter off of Main Street), Conyers GA. The public is encouraged to attend author Eddie Shirey’a discussion of his book, “Atlanta to Savannah, A Cyclist’s Guidebook.” He is an advocate for biking and walking trails, and a former Director of Georgia Bikes. His guidebook follows all the paths of Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. Mr. Shirley’s observations are both historical and practical for today’s traveler. FREE admission. 770-401-1662


AL-Who Haunts Fort Morgan? - Wednesday & Saturday, October 17 & 20, 6:00 to 7:00 pm each evening, Fort Morgan State Historic Site, 51 Alabama Highway 180, Gulf Shores AL. A guided tour by a historical interpreter of the known deaths and burials at Mobile point from 1813 to 1910. Bring your own flashlight. Admission: Adults $7.00, Students & Seniors (65+) $5.00, Children (ages 6-12) $4.00. 251-540-5257, www.fort-morgan.org/


GA-Spirits in October - October 18 through 21, and 25 through 28, Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive, Macon GA. This one-hour guided tour among Victorian memorials and greenery includes actors in costume at various gravesides bringing history to life. Many of the cemetery's early "residents" were Civil War soldiers. Spirits in October is not a scary ghost tour. It’s about honoring and sharing the stories of the fascinating people who came before us to make Macon what it is today. The Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails® interpretive marker located here, entitled “Macon Defensive Fortifications,” describes how the city was defended (https://www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-wilsons-raid.html). Tours dates & times: Thursday through Saturday each week from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Sundays 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Tour tickets: $15.00. Purchase on-line: www.riversidecemetery.com/event/spirits-in-october-2018/. 478-742-0131, www.riversidecemetery.com/


AL-Camp of Instruction at Confederate Memorial Park - Saturday, October 20, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Confederate Memorial Park, 437 County Road 63, Marbury AL. Living historians from the 33rd Alabama will occupy our period barracks during a Camp of Instruction. Soldiers will drill, perform guard duty and other tasks typical of a newly enlisted Confederate soldier. FREE admission. 205-755-1990, http://preserveala.org/confederatepark


GA-Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour - Saturday, October 20, 9:30 to 11:30 am, Chickamauga Battlefield, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe GA. The public is invited to bring their bicycles and join in a leisurely-paced historical ride. National Park Service rangers will talk about the history of the battlefield while Outdoor Chattanooga staff and volunteers provide ride leadership and support. Loaner bicycles will be available for riders five-feet-tall and over at no charge. Reservations for loaner bicycles are required at 706-866-9241. The tour begins at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Ride length is approximately 3 to 4 miles on flat to moderately-hilly terrain. The rides are appropriate for adults and children ages eight and older when accompanied by an adult. All participants are required to wear helmets. Chickamauga Battlefield is located on the Chickamauga Campaign historic driving route portion of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/AtlantaCampaignBrochure.pdf. FREE admission. 423-752-5213 ext. 139, kim_coons@nps.gov


GA-Living History at Panola Mountain - Sunday, October 21, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 GA Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge GA. Learn about Panola Mountain's rich history through hands-on living history demonstrations at the Parker House that depict everyday family life during years prior to the Civil War. Participate in activities including candle making, butter churning, cooking, making rag dolls and other period games, all from guides in historic period clothing. Stockbridge is located on the “Right Wing” historic driving route of the March to the Sea Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-march-to-the-sea.html. Admission: $5.00 per person plus $5.00 parking. Reservations recommended. 770-389-7801, http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain


GA-Camp Lawton Guided Tour - Friday, October 26, 2:00 pm, Magnolia Springs State Park, 1053 Magnolia Springs Drive, Millen GA. Take a one-hour guided tour through the historical Camp Lawton Civil War prison sites. Learn about the fascinating events that transpired here and take a walk back in time. Good walking shoes are recommended for the trail portion. Camp Lawton at Magnolia Springs State Park is located on the “Left Wing” historic driving route of the March to the Sea Heritage Trail®: https://www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ewExternalFiles/MarchToTheSeaBrochure.pdf. Admission: $4.00 per person; museum entry fee included. 478-982-1660, https://gastateparks.org/MagnoliaSprings


GA-All Hallows Eve at Pickett's Mill Battlefield - Friday & Saturday, October 26 & 27, 7:00 to 10:00 pm each evening, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, 4432 Mount Tabor Church Road, Dallas GA. Come join us for a fun evening at Pickett's Mill battlefield. This event will start with a tractor ride through the spooky forest where you might just see "special guests." Finish up with storytelling at the amphitheater. Family friendly. Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site is located on the historic driving route of the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail®: www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-atlanta-campaign.html. Tickets purchased on-line: $10.00. 770-443-7850, https://friendsofgastateparks.org/node/1051


GA-27th Annual Speir’s Turnout Festival - Saturday, October 27, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, downtown Bartow GA. Come join us for a day of down-home fun! Enjoy country cooking, arts & crafts, a parade, kid’s activities and both railroad and Civil War history (in one of the best small-town museums located in a pre-Civil War depot). The small railroad town of “Speir’s Turnout” was renamed “Bartow” in honor of Confederate Colonel Francis S. Bartow after he was killed during the First Battle of Manassas. Bartow is located on the “Right Wing” historic driving route of the March to the Sea Heritage Trail®: https://www.civilwarheritagetrails.org/ga-civil-war-trails-map/ga-march-to-the-sea.html. FREE admission. 478-364-3300, marysuerachels@bellsouth.net


AL-Cotton Pickin’ Celebration and Skirmish - Saturday & Sunday, October 27 through 28, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, Old Baker Farm, 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville AL. Some of the best arts and crafts vendors from all over the South, a Civil War reenactment and a “Guns for Hire” shootout. Kids will love the Cotton Bounce, Cotton Patch, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, and Hay Mountain, while adults enjoy the Indian Festival Dance and live bluegrass and gospel music. There is plenty of food, plus horseback rides, mule driven wagon rides, hay rides and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Admission (Saturday & Sunday): Adults $10.00. Directions from Birmingham: U.S. Hwy. 280 east to AL Hwy. 25. Turn right and proceed south 0.4 miles to County Road 444. Turn right, then the farm is one mile on the left. 205-672-7209, www.oldbakerfarm.com/fallfestival.php


GA-Volunteer Work Day at Jarrell Plantation - Saturday, October 27, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site, 711 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette GA. Lend a helping hand by assisting staff members with various projects such as housekeeping, gardening, decorating and by participating in special events. Union Major General William T. Sherman’s army visited Jarrell Plantation during their March to the Sea. Directions: Located southeast of Juliette, 18 miles from I-75 Forsyth exit #185 or 18 miles north of Macon exit #171. In exchange for their hard work, volunteers will receive FREE admission for the day. 478-986-5172, http://gastateparks.org/JarrellPlantation