With a rich and complex history, it’s no surprise that Cobb County is home to several fascinating historical sites. Whether you have a free afternoon with the kids, you’re looking for a cool educational destination, or are just curious about your community’s past, this is your guide to discovering historical gems in Cobb. Let’s dive into the rich heritage of this area and uncover stories behind its most significant landmarks and events.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a crucial Civil War battleground from the Atlanta Campaign. Spanning 2,965 acres, this park witnessed fierce battles between Union and Confederate forces in 1864.
With over 18 miles of interpretive trails, you can explore the battlefield's historic earthworks and learn about the conflict's significance. The park also offers educational experiences at its Visitor Center, including films, exhibits, and interactive programs. The park stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during the Civil War and serves as a reminder of Cobb’s rich historical heritage.
19th Century Village
Located on the Life University campus in Marietta, the 19th Century Village is a unique recreation of a pioneer village with authentic log structures dating back to the 1700s. This tranquil village offers you a chance to relax, reflect on simpler times, and immerse yourself in a different era. The village includes a fully functional L.T. Lefler Grist Mill that operates using flowing creek waters, providing an authentic experience of life in the 19th century.
Berlin Wall
At Kennesaw State University, a section of the Berlin Wall is on display, donated by former Senator Chuck Clay. This 12-foot-tall, 2.7-ton piece adorned with graffiti is standing in front of the Social Sciences building.
Serving as a tangible reminder of the Cold War’s impact, it offers a unique educational opportunity for students and visitors to engage with history firsthand. The wall, originally built in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin, symbolizes division and human resilience. Its presence at KSU allows for reflection on the Berlin Wall’s historical significance and the lasting effects of geopolitical conflicts.
Concord Covered Bridge
The Concord Covered Bridge, built in the late 1800s, has survived major floods without incident and has been updated and reinforced numerous times. This one-lane bridge spans Nickajack Creek, serving as a vital link for automobile traffic in metropolitan Atlanta.
Designated as Cobb County's first historic district in 1986, the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District showcases not only the bridge but also remnants of milling communities and historic homes. Additionally, it's the only remaining covered bridge in Cobb and one of the only 16 left in Georgia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this site offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past and engineering feats of the 19th century.
Green Meadows Preserve’s Bullard House
The Bullard House at Green Meadows Preserve has a rich history dating back to the 1840s when it was built by William and Piety Green on their 400-acre plantation. During the Civil War, the house served as a field hospital for Confederate forces.
Cobb County purchased the property in 2008 to preserve it as a passive park, and it now functions as a museum showcasing 180 years of history. Each room represents a different period, from the Cherokee and Pioneer Era to the present day. This transformation into a community garden and museum makes it a cherished historical site in Cobb.
Mable House
The Mable House, built in 1843, is a plantation plain house and ancestral home of the Mable family, after whom Mableton was named. Situated on 16 acres of the original 400+ acre farm, it features a kitchen house, corn crib, sweet potato house, storage barn, family cemetery, smokehouse, and well.
Additionally, it was used as a hospital during the Civil War and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the facility is operated as part of Cobb County PARKS. During field trips and tours, exciting participatory experiences will be offered such as 19th Century Farm Life, Native American life in Cobb County, and various engaging activities.
Kennesaw Depot Park
Located in downtown Kennesaw, across from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, Depot Park serves as a hub for city events and passive recreation. It features an open playfield, walking trail, picnic tables, benches, and historic structures like the Carrie House and the 1908 Train Depot, restored by the city for various activities.
The depot played a central role in the development of Kennesaw, serving as a focal point for the city's growth and establishment of its limits. Today, the Historic Kennesaw at the Depot offers visitors an opportunity to explore key topics in the region's history, including indigenous peoples, the impact of the Civil War, and the significance of the railroad. The depot's recent updates include a revitalized local history exhibit that delves into various aspects of Kennesaw's cultural legacy.
William Root House Museum & Garden
Willian Root House, built around 1845, is a middle-class residence that reflects the history of Marietta. Originally owned by William Root, a prominent merchant, the house survived the Civil War despite being one of only four buildings in Marietta to withstand Sherman's Atlanta Campaign in 1864.
Saved from demolition in 1989 by the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, the house was meticulously restored to its 1845 appearance. Today, it offers interactive exhibits showcasing daily life for the Root family, along with displays highlighting the experiences of Marietta's enslaved population. Guided tours and special events make it an accessible destination for history enthusiasts.
So, there you have it. What do you think of the places mentioned above? Hopefully, this guide will inspire you to embark on your own journey through Cobb’s rich history.
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