Georgia aims to capitalize on 150th anniversary of Civil War

By W. Todd Groce

The 150th anniversary of the Civil War begins in 2011, and already there has been criticism that Georgia is “a day late and a dollar short” when it comes to promoting it. The fact is, in the midst of a fiscal crisis, the state is making wise and timely use of limited funding to develop a unique CW150 program that will draw visitors from around the world to Georgia.

Leading the charge is the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which has partnered with private organizations to create multiple interactive ways for people to explore Georgia’s Civil War history. Here at the Georgia Historical Society, we have collaborated with the state to survey and refurbish Civil War historical markers across Georgia and create and install new markers telling previously untold stories from the war about the role of women, African-Americans, the home front, Unionists, industry and politics. Historical marker dedications involving local communities and statewide dignitaries are taking place throughout 2010 and 2011.

This partnership also has made possible the Civil War 150 Historical Marker Project micro website at georgiahistory.com, which allows visitors to use Google maps to plan and implement custom driving tours based on their personal interests. A mobile phone application for the GHS historical marker program is in the works. With a relatively small investment, such innovations will promote heritage tourism to cities and small towns. And rather than concentrate solely on the military aspect of the war as the Centennial did 50 years ago, we’ve been able to present an expanded, more inclusive view of the Civil War that makes the conflict meaningful to all Georgians.

The state also is preparing to launch GaCivilWar.org to help communities and organizations promote their CW150 activities. A printed map guide of Civil War sites also will be available in visitor information centers in the coming weeks. In collaboration with the Georgia Civil War Commission, the University of Georgia Press and the Georgia Humanities Council, a new edition of Barry Brown and Rich Elwell’s “Crossroads of Conflict: A Guide to Civil War Sites in Georgia” has been commissioned, chock full of stunning color photos and expanded historical information.

Through these private-public partnerships we are offering local and out-of-state visitors a thorough, accessible Civil War experience that includes battlefields, historical markers, historic sites and museums. By collaborating to promote each others’ activities, we’re making good use of the funding available as well as helping foster heritage tourism and build the economy of Georgia.

Though next year is the official launch of the nation’s Civil War 150 commemoration, remember that the 150th anniversaries of Georgia’s important Civil War battles aren’t until 2014, which means we are rolling out our programs and projects right on time. Georgia already is reaching history enthusiasts and potential visitors worldwide through its up-to-the-minute technology. People making travel plans over the next few years will find that Georgia is ready to share its rich history of the Civil War.

W. Todd Groce is the president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society.