News

Gen. John Bell Hood�s Coat on Display at Southern Museum

March 13, 2006

KENNESAW, GA - Despite Confederate John Bell Hood's daring and valiant efforts, the city of Atlanta was lost to Union soldiers under the command of Gen. William Sherman in September 1864. Hood's frock coat is now on display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, thanks to a three-year loan from the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA.

Hood, who had lost a leg and use of an arm earlier during the Civil War, attacked Union soldiers at Kolb's Farm, briefly stalling the march toward Atlanta, but ultimately was unable to stop federal troops from reaching their target.

"Gen. Hood was known as a fierce fighter, and he was a key figure in the Atlanta campaign," said Kennesaw Director of Recreation and Culture Jeff Drobney. "We're honored to display his coat within our Railroads: Lifelines of the Civil War collection."

The Museum of the Confederacy has also loaned out a number of other unique items, such as trousers spun from cow hair that were worn by a first sergeant from Americus, GA, and several Northern-made revolvers that were used by Confederate soldiers who purchased them privately, or captured them from Union soldiers.

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; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

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.