With a new car, the joy of simply disappearing for an afternoon and enjoying the countryside is one that shouldn't be overlooked. It's inexpensive, typically costing nothing more than the gas in your tank and perhaps a few dollars for lunch.
After moving to Georgia five years ago, I was drawn at once to the widespread countryside. To the south of Atlanta, a wealth of history abounds as there are several original plantations that have been restored to show how both slaves and the affluent lived a hundred years ago. To the North, historic Civil War battlefields abound, and to the east, homes spared from Sherman's march can be found in Madison, a snapshot of significant antebellum architecture.
Early on, we began exploring the Civil War history of Georgia because it was the most prolific of tourist sites that we could find. Heading north from the city along highway 75, Kennesaw mountain battlefield park is near Gilgal Church Battlefield. Kennesaw mountain is a 2,923-acre national park wherein 160,000 troops fought during the Atlanta campaign. As many as 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or captured here in a town whose name means "graveyard."
Further north along 75, nearly in Tennessee, is Fort Oglethorpe and the Chicamauga/Chattanooga national military park. Chicamauga was the site of the last major Confederate victory of the Civil War, fought in September of 1863.
The Antebellum Trail is a popular attraction for Georgia residents east of the city. The trail pilgrimage is an annual event that showcases antebellum architecture that has been restored or is original to pre-Civil War years. From the city, the easiest way to begin the trail is to take 75 south to Macon. The historical trail actually ends here, but following it north is a great way to take the back roads to Athens, rather than fighting traffic along 85 North. You'll find a map of the Antebellum Trail here. In Macon, there are numerous small restaurants, antique shopping opportunities, and of course, antebellum homes that have been restored.
The trail runs north for 100 miles to Athens. Although you could easily make the trek in a few hours, we had to plan a day of the trip because of all the small stops that we made along the way, particularly in Madison, which is known as the "city that Sherman refused to burn." The architecture and history of these homes are stunning, and the cities, from Athens to Macon, keep them and the property around them in meticulous condition.
We weren't sure what to expect when we decided to travel south from the city to see some of the plantations that are available for public view. We decided, though, that it was of historical value, and we wanted to see it for ourselves.
We decided to set the GPS to take us a bit further south to the site of Andersonville prison. Meshing the fiction and the reality of life during the Civil War had a depressing effect, but the scenery along the southern byways that lead to the infamous prison was spectacular. The prison itself is now the national POW museum, bringing into its fold the courageous stories of American POWs from the Revolutionary war to the present day. It was a sobering reminder of the cost of war.
Georgia is resplendent with historical sites, but they are often small and difficult to find. If you have recently purchased a new car that you feel could use some backroads mileage, then it's a good idea to pick up a Georgia Visitor's guide from the Georgia department of tourism. That will allow you to plan your visit so that you'll not be disappointed by having a difficult time finding the most interesting historical sites and country roads.
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