During May 14-15, 1864, the first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign was fought there. Neither side gained an advantage, but Union Maj. Gen. William Sherman continued his advance after Confederate forces under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston abandoned the field. The armies suffered about 11,000 casualties.Event spokesman Ken Padgett tells the Picket he hopes for close to 1,000 re-enactors. Some proceeds may go to the Friends of Resaca Battlefield for protecting the Fort Wayne historic site.
This year's battles start at 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
"The spectator line is closer to the battles allowing spectators to better view the battles while seeing the smoke and hearing
the thunder of history unfold," organizers say.
Visitors also can see camps, living histories and shop at the sutler area. A Saturday morning memorial service is planned at the nearby Confederate Cemetery.
Camps open to the public at 9 a.m.
Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. There is no charge for infants. Parking is free.
The venue is off Chitwood Road in Gordon County, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta.The 480-acre Chitwood Farm, site of the event, was recently protected as part of the full 650-acre battlefield site. In 2008, when owners of the site had financial difficulties, The Trust for Public Land bought the land, the trust says. Two months ago, TPL sold to Gordon County an easement, which protects the land from development.
This is the 27th year for the re-enactment.
"Conservation of the Chitwood Farm in time for the 150th Civil War anniversary in 2014, allows for continuation of plans that will include educational activities for area students, Civil War tours about Sherman's March on Atlanta, and the annual Resaca Battle Reenactment," the trust says.
• Event information | • Last year's Picket coverage
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