Hundreds of local families, curious travelers and history buffs turned out May 27 at Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site in Paulding County on Saturday to commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Civil War Battle.
Cannon firings, artillery demonstrations, camp life enactments and guided tours awaited the visitors, who enjoyed a picture-perfect day for an outing to the historic battlefield. Park Rangers greeted guests, and offered helpful tips and tours throughout the event.
One of the busiest stops at the park -- and certainly the noisiest -- was the canon demonstration staged by the Friends of Pickett's Mill volunteer enactors. Throughout the day's event, the explosive sound of the cannon startled those unaware of the demonstration times while delighting the crowds that gathered for the show. At each, the volunteer enactors explained the process of preparing, loading and firing the cannon. Then, following a warning, the cannon crew ignited the half-pound charge of gunpowder, creating a simulated firing -- minus the cannon ball.
The day started with a ceremony marking the recovery of a Civil War era flag finial -- a decorative flag pole toppers -- now on display at the park museum. Park Rangers and enactors place a wreath at the site in the battlefield's bloody ravine where the finial was found.
Civil War book authors Del Thommason and Brad Buktkovich also were on hand for the event, greeting guests and discussing the battlefield history. Thommason displayed an extensive set of flag finials from his personal collection, while offering his book, "Flagstaff Finials, Toppers and Ferrules." Butkovich, author of books about the Pickett's Mill battle as well as the Battle of Allatoona Pass, answered questions about the battle and marketed his Pickett's Mill Battlefield Trail Book.
Pickett's Mill has a full schedule of summer and fall activities planned, perfect for a family outing. Plus, in November, the park will again offer an evening lantern tour of the battlefield. For more information about all activities at Pickett's Mill, visit the park's website.
More About Pickett's Mill
Did you know that the families of Union soldiers were instrumental in preserving Pickett's Mill? And that General William Sherman completely omitted the battle -- the last major Union loss of the war -- from his detailed memoirs? Check out the following for more:
The Forgotten Battle of Pickett's Mill
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