Q: Are there any plans on preserving some areas of the old base as a historic site under the new development plans?
—John Westbrook, Canton
A: The homes on Staff Row and Fort McPherson's other historic structures, some of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, "will be protected from destruction and demolition by agreements and covenants that will follow the sale of the property," Jack Sprott, executive director of the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority, wrote in an email. Sprott said the houses and buildings can be adapted for various uses as long as they are preserved and protected. "I don't anticipate any type of historic site or museum facilities, but the development should highlight the historic nature of the site and buildings," he said. There has been a near-constant military presence in the area of Fort McPherson – which is off of Campbellton Road and U.S. 29 between Atlanta and East Point -- since the 1830s. The base itself was established in 1885 and named for Union Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, who was killed in the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. The fort housed Spanish prisoners during the Spanish-American War and German prisoners during World War I. The U.S. Army closed 488-acre Fort McPherson on Sept. 15, 2011.
Q: Can people camp in Georgia’s state parks?
A: If sleeping under the stars is on your springtime to-do list, most of Georgia's state parks feature camp sites. This year, the state has initiated a program to introduce folks to camping, and even those whose version of the great outdoors is hanging out in Centennial Olympic Park are welcome. The First-Time Camper Program allows individuals, families and even groups to rent equipment like tents, chairs and lanterns and spend two nights camping in selected state parks. The participating parks are: A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville, Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, James H. Floyd State Park near Rome, Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah and Victoria Bryant State Park near Lavonia. Groups of up to 20 people are welcome at Victoria Bryant and Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth. Rates vary, depending on the size of the family or group. Call the parks or program coordinator Cindy Reittinger at 404-657-0029 for details and reservations, or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/FirstTimeCamper.
What do you want to know about Georgia?
If you’re new in town or have questions about this special place we call home, ask us! E-mail Andy Johnston at q&a@ajc.com.
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