Embarking on a leisurely street journey between Atlanta and Chattanooga? You’ll discover loads of fascinating stops alongside the best way. One of those is the small Gordon County city of Resaca, Georgia — inhabitants 1,146 as of 2026. The drive from Atlanta to Resaca on I-75 N takes round an hour and 10 minutes, relying on site visitors, with Chattanooga one other 40 minutes past Resaca.
For a tiny enclave, Resaca packs in plenty of fascinating Confederate War historical past. For two days in May of 1864, Union Gen. William T. Sherman went face to face with Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston within the Battle of Resaca. It was the primary main confrontation within the Atlanta Campaign — the Union’s quest to seize Atlanta — with over 5,500 casualties and no clear winner. But the Union would finally triumph, capturing Atlanta later that very same 12 months.
Today, Resaca offers us a glimpse into this tragic second in U.S. historical past. At the Resaca Confederate Cemetery and different websites round city, guests can study extra in regards to the marketing campaign and keep in mind the fallen troopers. In a tranquil setting within the Georgia foothills alongside the Oostanaula River, Resaca additionally provides some beautiful spots to stretch your legs and breathe recent air in pristine nature.
U.S. historical past comes alive in Resaca
Immerse your self in historical past on the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site, round 2 miles north of downtown. Wandering by the serene meadows, it is tough to think about {that a} violent confrontation came about right here. But look no additional than the close by Resaca Confederate Cemetery — the place 450 Confederate troopers have been laid to relaxation — for proof that blood was certainly shed on this battle. Every 12 months, historical past comes alive in a historic reenactment of the Battle of Resaca This occasion — which additionally features a cavalry competitors, a interval dance, and different actions — is held on the third weekend of May at Chitwood Farm on the historic battlefield.
Quite a lot of different essential Confederate War websites are nestled within the forests round Resaca. One of those, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, is positioned in a historic mountain city close to miles of scenic trails, for many who wish to sneak in some climbing whereas studying extra in regards to the nation’s historical past and the Atlanta Campaign. And there are extra outside spots to discover.
Explore Resaca’s close by parks and nature
If you are persevering with north to Chattanooga, Tennesee’s “scenic city” with a flourishing arts scene, and wish a climbing repair, try Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area, round 11 miles northwest of city. This park boasts stunning mountain views and peaceable trails by the forest. One that guests suggest is the roughly 2-mile Keown Falls Trail, which passes waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Heading south to Atlanta as a substitute? Stop in close by Calhoun, an historic Georgia metropolis recognized for its artwork, retailers, and beautiful parks. A enjoyable, whimsical outside expertise in Calhoun is the free folk-art oasis of the Rock Garden on the Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church, the place greater than 50 hand-sculpted miniature castles and different buildings are on show. Calhoun can be a very good place to cease for the evening, as it is a larger city (its inhabitants is round 20,000) with extra lodging choices and eating places than you will discover in Resaca.