MARIETTA, Ga. — The Gem City of the South is steeped in history. Located about 20 miles north of Atlanta, the city is one of Metro Atlanta’s largest suburbs.
Like so many other North Georgia cities, Marietta unwillingly played host to William T. Sherman during 1864. But that only helped to shape the city into what it is today.
Places to see
The Kennesaw House: The one-time cotton warehouse and former hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Marietta. The building is the starting point for anyone who wants to retrace The Andrews Raid of 1862. A museum inside offers a series of exhibits dedicated to the city’s history and features memorabilia, including photographs and artifacts, related not only to the Andrews Raid, but also to the Civil War in general.
Gone with the Wind Museum: This is a must-see for Gone with the Wind fans. The museum is home to more than 1,000 pieces of memorabilia, including costumes worn during the filming.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Located between Marietta and Kennesaw, the 2,923-acre national park offers visitors the chance to learn about the Civil War and the bloody battle fought here while enjoying the great outdoors. The park features 18 miles of walking trails, including some steep ones as they approach the top of the mountain.
Historic cemeteries: The Marietta Confederate Cemetery dates to 1863 when Jane Porter Glover donated a portion of her plantation for the burial of 20 Confederate soldiers who were killed in a nearby train wreck. Today, the cemetery is home to more than 3,000 soldiers. The adjacent Marietta City Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of prominent city residents. Down the road, the Marietta National Cemetery, established in 1866, is home to more than 17,000 soldiers — including 3,000 unknown — who gave their lives to their country.
Where to stay
There are a number of national chain hotels in Marietta. For a complete list, check with the Marietta Welcome Center: http://www.mariettasquare.com/lodging.html.
Where to eat
- Hemingway’s, http://www.hemingwaysmarietta.com
- Marietta Pizza Company, http://www.mariettapizza.com
- Shillings on the Square, http://www.shillingsonthesquare.com
A more comprehensive list of dining options is available from the Marietta Welcome Center: http://www.mariettasquare.com/dining.html.
Web sites to visit
- Marietta Welcome Center: http://www.mariettasquare.com/
- City of Marietta: http://www.mariettaga.gov/
- Marietta Daily Journal: http://www.mdjonline.com/
Editor’s Note: One-stop guides are intended to provide travelers with an overview of the city. This is not a complete list of all attractions, but a number of places one can visit in a rather short timeframe.
