Resaca Battlefield Historic Site opens just ahead of this weekend’s Battle of Resaca
the site.
“Today, we gather here on part of the historic Resaca Battlefield to honor those brave men who fought and died here and helped forge the strongest nation on Earth,” said Padgett.
Padgett gave the crowd a history of the events that took place in Resaca from May 13 – 16, 1864, which was the largest battle fought in Georgia during the Civil War; over 160,000 from both the Confederate and Union armies were engaged in the fight. The Battle of Resaca resulted in an estimated 5500 to 8000 casualties.
In addition to Padgett, addressing the crowd during the grand opening were Gordon County Commission Vice- Chair Chad Steward; Director of Convention and Visitors
Bureau Sarah Husser; and Representative John Meadows.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the site, which will be open for this weekend’s Battle of Resaca, the 32nd annual reenactment of the battle that took place in May 1964. This year makes the 152nd anniversary of the battle. The Battle of Resaca takes place this Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22.
“This year’s reenactment will be exciting with different battles both days,” said Padgett. “The spectator line is closer to the battles, allowing patrons a better view of the battles while seeing the smoke and hearing the thunder of history unfold.”
According to Padgett, approximately 1000 reenactors from across the United States are expected to participate in the Battle of Resaca.
The event will kick off on Friday morning with free school tours and demonstrations for educating students on some of the most critical times in American history. The site will be closed to the public during this time.
On Saturday, the site opens at 9 a.m. to the public with a reenactor yard sale from 9 – 11 a.m. At 10 a.m., a Memorial Service will be held at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery. At 10:30 a.m., a medical presentation will be held at the Medical Tent in the Living History area. A Ladies Tea, hosted by the Gordon County Historical Social will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Social area. A battle reenactment will take place from 2 – 3:30 p.m. and the site closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The site will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning and a period inspired nondenominational church service will take place at 10 a.m. at the Social area; the service is open to the public. A medical presentation will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Medical Tent in the Living History area. At 11:30 a.m., reenactors will take part in a Cavalry competition. From 2 – 3:30 p.m., a battle reenactment will take place, with the site closing at 5 p.m.
Cost is $5 per day for adults; $2 for children under 12 years of age; infants are free. Parking is also free to the public.
To see more photos of the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site Grand Opening, see page 2B.