Delving into the deep south: Part II

VFW Magazine, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Shannon Hanson

Chickamauga site features self-guided 7-mile loop tour and visitor center that houses museum with Civil War exhibits and Fuller gun collection (shoulder arms dating 1600-1918), plus multi-media presentation on the battle. Lookout Mountain site features Point Park Walking Tour, visitor center with 7-minute audio program, and tours, talks and demonstrations during the summer.

Fort Frederica National Monument St. Simons Island (912) 638-3639.

One of the most important British fortifications in America, established 1736. Fort ruins with wayside exhibits, visitor center with small museum and historical film. Nearby is site of 1742 Bloody Marsh battle, considered the first great decisive battle fought in the New World, with wayside exhibit.

Fort Pulaski National Monument Savannah, (912) 786-5787.

Built 1829-47. Attacked with experimental rifled cannon fire in April 1862, forcing a Confederate surrender. Visitor center with exhibits and 17-minute film, ranger-led talks and demonstrations, and self guided tours.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Kennesaw, (770) 427-4686.

Site of June-July 1864 battle. Three battlefield areas include 17 miles of interpretive walking trails with earthworks, cannon emplacements, interpretive signs and maps, and 3 monuments. Visitor center features museum and a short film. Self-guided auto tour includes 4 stops with wayside exhibits.

Fort King George State Historic Site Darien, (912) 437-4770.

First English settlement in the state (1721-36). Reconstructed earthen palisades, cypress blockhouse, barracks and officers' quarters. Museum interpreting Indian, Spanish and British occupation, living history demonstrations most weekends.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park Richmond Hill, (912) 727-2339.

Best-preserved Confederate earthwork fortification in the U.S. withstood multiple Union Navy attacks, but fell to land forces in December 1864. Self-guided tours and Civil War museum that features a video and exhibits on artillery and history of the fort.

Fort Morris State Historic Site Midway, (912) 884-5999.

Built in 1776. Attacked twice during Revolutionary War and active during War of 1812. Visitor center, museum, video presentation and walking tours.

Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park Cordele, (229) 276-2371.

Established as a memorial to all American veterans, the park includes a museum that houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War through the Persian Gulf War. Aircraft, armored vehicles and guns from WWI through Vietnam also are displayed.

Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site Dallas, (770) 443-7850.

One of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the U.S. was site of May 1864 battle. Visitor center includes video and interactive museum on the battle and the Atlanta Campaign. Site features earthworks, interpretive walking trails and living history programs.

Allatoona Pass Battlefield Cartersville, (770) 387-1357.

Site of October 1864 battle that began the Nashville Campaign. Two earthen forts, miles of trench works and interpretive trail markers.