The Civil War is the decisive turning point in American history. A nation divided against itself before—half enslaved, half free—was reunited. Experience the Civil War through the eyes of soldiers and civilians. Learn about their harrowing stories through photographs, dioramas, videos, and over 1,500 original Union and Confederate artifacts.
Importantly, the Atlanta Campaign of 1864 was the turning point in the Civil War. Atlanta was a critical city in the South – transportation hub, industrial center, and warehouse for food, ammunition, supplies, uniforms, and other military material crucial to Confederate Armies. The battles for Atlanta and the surrender of the city to General William T. Sherman assured the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln and ultimately secured freedom for 4 million enslaved people.
One of the nation’s largest Civil War exhibitions,Turning Point: The American Civil War tells the national story of the war from beginning to end. Through original artifacts, including cannons, uniforms, swords, and other materials, visitors can better understand Civil War life. Between the horrors of battle—including medical procedures for the wounded and maimed—the life of the soldier was often tedious, waiting on fighting and facing the very real threat of death.
FAQs
The Battle of Gettysburg marked the turning point of the Civil War. With more than 50,000 estimated casualties, the three-day engagement was the bloodiest single battle of the conflict.
How long does it take to go through the Atlanta History Center? ›
Depending on the level of detail you are interested in, you could spend up to 120 minutes in the galleries. And don't forget that your ticket includes access to all offerings on our 33-acre campus, from exhibitions to historic houses to beautiful gardens.
Does the Cyclorama in Atlanta still exist? ›
Its most noted attraction was the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cylindrical panoramic painting of the Battle of Atlanta. As of December 2021, the Cyclorama is located at the Atlanta History Center, while the building is now Zoo Atlanta's Savanna Hall.
Why is Atlanta a turning point of the Civil War? ›
Importantly, the Atlanta Campaign of 1864 was the turning point in the Civil War. Atlanta was a critical city in the South – transportation hub, industrial center, and warehouse for food, ammunition, supplies, uniforms, and other military material crucial to Confederate Armies.
What was the most significant turning point of the Civil War? ›
Many consider July 4, 1863 to be the turning point of the American Civil War. Two important, famous, well-documented battles resulted in Confederate defeats: the Battle of Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), July 1-3, and the Fall of Vicksburg (Mississippi), July 4.
What is the greatest turning point in American history? ›
The creation of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 is one of the most important turning points in American history. Focus on why the colonies decided to separate from Great Britain, how the Declaration evolved from a work of little significance into a central American document, and much more.
Is Atlanta History Center worth it? ›
Amazing experience. If you were to stay there the whole day you still wouldn't be able to see everything. I highly recommend going to the gardens, really beautiful but you still learn a lot about the XIX century. Atlanta History--All That and a Train!
How much does it cost to go to Atlanta History Center? ›
Admission Pricing
| Members | Free |
|---|
| Adult (13–64) | $24 |
| Senior (65+) | $20 |
| Student (13+ with valid student ID) | $20 |
| Youth (4–12) | $10 |
1 more rowKennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Both sides maneuvered through the area during The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864.
How much do tickets cost? Tickets cost $21.50 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and students age 13 and up and $9 for youth age 4 to 12. Children age 3 and under are free.
Where did they move the Cyclorama in Atlanta? ›
Why is The Battle of Atlanta cyclorama painting moving to Atlanta History Center? In July 2014, Mayor Kasim Reed announced the relocation and the restoration of this historic Atlanta Cyclorama painting The Battle of Atlanta to the History Center, as part of a 75 year license agreement with the City of Atlanta.
What was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War? ›
At Gettysburg, in 1863, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War ended the Confederate army's northward advance. U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center.
Was Atlanta a Confederate state? ›
Atlanta was a major strategic city for the Confederacy that served as a railroad terminus, supply depot, and manufacturing hub. Given Atlanta's position south of the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, capturing the city would severely threaten the stability of the Confederacy.
Why did Hood leave Atlanta? ›
Hood needed to defend the city of Atlanta, which was an important rail hub and industrial center for the Confederacy, but his army was small in comparison to the armies that Sherman commanded. He decided to withdraw, classically threatening Sherman's supply lines in his army's rear.
What was the turning point battle of the Civil War and why? ›
The Union's eventual victory in the Battle of Gettysburg would give the North a major morale boost and put a definitive end to Confederate General Robert E. Lee's bold plan to invade the North.
Why was Vicksburg a turning point in the war? ›
Warren County, MS | May 18 - Jul 4, 1863. Vicksburg's strategic location on the Mississippi River made it a critical win for both the Union and the Confederacy. The Confederate surrender there ensured Union control of the Mississippi River and cleaved the South in two.
Was Gettysburg the turning point of the Civil War? ›
T he Battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, by Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. The battle involved the largest number of casualties of the entire war and is often described as the war's turning point.
What were the five major turning points of the Civil War? ›
Candidates put forward as decisive moments include Ulysses S. Grant's capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, the battle of Shiloh, George B. McClellan's victory at Antietam, George G. Meade's repulse of Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg, William Tec*mseh Sherman's capture of Atlanta, and George H.
