Georgia Magazine - July 2011 - (Page 50E)

Alabama Its relatively isolated location shielded Alabama from much of the major military activity of the War Between the States, yet it played one of the most pivotal roles. In February 1861, delegates from Southern states that had already seceded met in Montgomery, drafted the constitution for the United States of the Confederacy, and elected Jefferson Davis as president. (The Confederate White House in that city contains era furnishings and many of Davis’ personal belongings.) Southward, the most significant naval action of the war occurred in 1864 in Mobile Bay, where tourists can tour Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, site of Adm. David Farragut’s famous “Damn the torpedoes” order that led to the fall of Mobile. Dozens of other museums, cemeteries and battle sites tell their own tales, while numerous annual reenactments take place from Bridgeport to Gulf Shores. In Huntsville, visitors can experience an occupied city, view structures that survived the war, and learn about the importance of supply lines and railroads. The Depot, which served as a prison and hospital for Confederate soldiers, features educational programs and Civil War-era graffiti from both sides. The train stations in Stevenson and Bridgeport also played an important part in the war. The pontoon bridge at Stevenson, a busy and strategic spot at the junction of two railways, enabled thousands of Union soldiers to advance into North Georgia during the Chattanooga Campaign. Open April through November, the Stevenson Depot showcases the town’s rich railroad history during the Civil War. Not far away is Fort Harker, constructed in the summer of 1862 by Union troops and freed slaves and now the site of a self-guided, interpreted walking tour. And each spring in the aptly named Bridgeport—its bridges were heavily trafficked during the war—travelers can enjoy one the state’s largest reenactments bringing the Siege of 1862 to life with authentic re-creations, period music and an encampment. * * * * * * The Tri-State Civil War 150th Commemoration Association is a nonprofit marketing organization charged with promoting education and heritage tourism during the Civil War sesquicentennial from 2011 through 2015. Regional efforts focus on attractions, museums and parks in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. For more information, see www.civilwar150th.org or write P.O. Box 69, Chickamauga, GA 30707. CIVIL WAR EVENTS Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee Visit our website for a full listing of events in the tri-state area commemorating the Civil War sesquicentennial! www.CivilWar150th.org July 2011 Special Advertising Section 50E http://www.civilwar150th.org http://www.CivilWar150th.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2011

Georgia Magazine - July 2011
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Special Energy Report
A Jewel Against the Sea
“A Special Blessing”
Your Own Backyard
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - July 2011