News

The Battle of Kennesaw Continues,Locomotive General “Tracked” Down

03/22/06

KENNESAW, GA – A lively month at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History promises the return of hundreds of battling Union and Confederate soldiers; exhilarating stories of spies, death, and glory involving the locomotive, the General; and a special day for homeschoolers to explore local history.

After nearly 20 years, the Big Shanty Festival is bringing back its popular, large-scale re-enactment, the Battle of Kennesaw. Observers will smell the powder, see the smoke, and hear the thunderous cannons during battle re-enactments, as well as shop the period Sutlers’ tents and listen to live Civil War music.

Jennifer Legates, Director of Education and Public Programs at the Southern Museum, explained, “Not only will you visit military camps and tour living history demonstrations, but you can also ride a two-horse wagon over the battlefield!”

A full event calendar is available online. April events include:

Homeschool Day. April 3, 10 am – 4 pm. Homeschooled students can explore the Museum’s exhibits for a special rate. Fun interpretive programs offered throughout the day. Reservations not required.

Kennesaw Historical Society Lecture Series – History of the Civil War Locomotive the General. April 8, 2 – 3 pm. Track the General’s activities from the time it was built in 1855 through its current enshrinement in the Southern Museum with Historical Society President Robert Jones. Free.

Battle of Kennesaw. April 22, 10 am – 5 pm and April 23, 12 noon – 5 pm. Re-enactments scheduled for 2 pm each day at the Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. Sponsored by the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, Kennesaw Business Association, City of Kennesaw Parks and Recreation, and the Kennesaw Museum Foundation. Admission: Adults $5 (12 and up), Children $3 (ages 4-12), 3 and under free.

A World Apart: 150 Years of Railroaders at Work. Through May 21. This exhibit tells the story of the risky and laborious lives of railroaders – people who put the railroad before their families and friends – through photographs and daguerreotypes, the oldest dating back to 1848.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war.

To view other upcoming events, visit our upcoming events section.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.