Atlanta, GA

This entry is dedicated to my Canadian friend Dave. There really is a Civil War Museum, and I was right - it is in Kennesaw.

me: I didn’t know about a civil war museum…
Dave: yeah - in buckhead
me: Are you talking about the Atlanta History Museum?
Dave: Maybe… I don’t remember much except for civil war stuff - but maybe it was called the Atlanta History museum –
me: Oh…I bet there is a civil war museum here
I would think it’d be in like Kennesaw
Dave: I think it is too bad that Atlanta has such a neat history, but there just isn’t much of it left
me: Well the city was burnt down Dave…you can blame Sherman for our lack of historical places

The Civil War Museum opened on March 20, 2003, and as one website describes it as “What a treat.” The Museum was formerly knows as the Big Shanty Museum (that alone makes me want to go) and also highlights the locomotive history.

The Museum offers a range of exhibits including a look into the daily life of a Civil War soldier, a reproduction of a locomotive factory, and a depiction of the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase.

Currently on display is, Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Journey in Time Exhibit. From the museum’s website, the display is described as: “This exhibition really inspires visitors to connect with that era through computer games and items they can actually touch and feel,” explained Southern Museum Curator Mike Bearrow. “It delves into the political and cultural issues of the time, such as slavery.”

Kennesaw is located 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta – up I-75N.
Hours of Operation
Open daily
Monday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Closed New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Admission
Adults $7.50
Senior Citizens (over 60) $6.50
Children 4-12 $5.50
Children 3 and under Free
Helpful Hint: The website lists a $2 off adult admission coupon.

For another look back at Atlanta’s history with the Civil War, check out this previous entry of mine.