Resaca reenactment marks 160th anniversary of battle
Those interested in history, especially pertaining to the American Civil War, can get their fill in Gordon County this weekend with the annual Battle of Resaca reenactment.
Marking the 160th anniversary of one of the most important engagements in the Atlanta Campaign, this year’s schedule will include activities and battle reenactments Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19 at the Chitwood Farm off Highway 41 in Resaca, just below the Whitfield County line.
The Battle of Resaca took place May 13, through 15, of 1864, and the annual reenactment is held on a large portion of the original battlefield which has been preserved as private property over the years. The event is annually one of the largest Civil War reenactments in Georgia, hosted by the Georgia Division Reenactors Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit.
This years reenactment feature different battles both Saturday and Sunday. The spectator line is close to the action allowing you a better view the battles while seeing the smoke and hearing the thunder of history unfold.
Around 1,000 reenactors from across the United States are expected to converge on Resaca, featuring groups of infantry soldiers, full-scale cannons, cavalry, and civilian refugees. Enjoy a fun packed day or the entire weekend with the entire family as history comes alive.
Costs are $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12, with free parking. Please attend and support the reenactment in the preservation efforts in Gordon County.
According to organizers, the success of the event depends on public support while enjoying the fun and entertainment for the day or the entire weekend.
SCHEDULE
The event kicks for Friday morning with free school tours and demonstrations for educating students to the most critical times in American history. The site is closed to the public during this time.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Resaca Confederate
Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday morning to honor the dead who fought at the battle. With 160,000 troops were fully engaged at Resaca in 1864 this battle was the largest battle ever fought on Georgia soil in history. There were over 9,000 combined causalities in the two day battle.
Throughout the weekend during public hours, visitors are encouraged to visit all military and civilian camps and talk to the reenactors before or after the battles. Spectators are also welcome to attend the Sunday morning 1860’s church service.
Period vendors and many modern food vendors which will be serving breakfast, lunch, and supper. The Gordon County Antique Engine and Tractor Club with be providing free rides from the parking areas to the battlefield.
Spectators can begin entering the site at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with both civilian and military camps and sutlers open to the public. A Reenactor yard sale at the Social Fly with used period equipment, uniforms and other items will run 9 to 11 a.m.
Saturday’s reenactment runs from 2 to 3 p.m., with the site closing to the public at 5 p.m.
Sunday, the battlefield opens again at 9 a.m., with the reenactment running from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and the battlefield closing to the public at 5 p.m. Sunday morning there will be a 10 a.m. public nondenominational church service at the Social Fly.
Lawn chairs or other portable seating is allowed, and food and drink will be available for sale on site. Pets other than service animals are not allowed. Photography and video are permitted and encouraged, but drones are prohibited.
The event is rain or shine, but is subject to weather delays. Visit georgiadivision.org online, or email battleofresaca@gmail.com for more information.
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the nearby Resaca Battlefield Historic Site, 6 Highway 136 just off I-75, as well as the Fort Wayne Historic Site near downtown Resaca at the corner of Nicklesville and Taylor Ridge roads. Also nearby the Chitwood Farm is the historic Resaca Confederate Cemetery.
For more information, visit georgiadivision.org online, as well as exploregordoncounty.com for community information.