Sunday Conversation with A. Max Bacon

When Civil War collector Gerald Cox died on Christmas Day 1996, he left behind a large treasure trove of artifacts in need of a permanent home. Smyrna was more than happy to step up, though it would be years down the road. Cox, who grew up in a family of Civil War historians, was a boy when he began collecting bullets, canteens, belt buckles and other items where the Union Army battled through Smyrna to reach Atlanta. Today, many of Cox’s artifacts are on display at Smyrna’s City Hall, Public Library and Brawner Hall. Looking at them is free of charge. The city’s mayor, A. Max Bacon, knew Cox personally and talked about why this slice of history is important to his rapidly growing and changing city.

Q: How did you know Gerald Cox?

A: I met him through a close friend who was also an avid collector. They would go out all the time looking for Civil War artifacts. His dream was to put his collection in one place and display it. Bottom line was he never could find a place before he died.

Q: How did Smyrna wind up with the collection?

A: It ended up with Gerald’s lawyer who had it in storage for years. Gerald’s will had certain conditions in it that made it hard to find a new owner. We said that we would love to have it. It is an unbelievable piece of history and I think Gerald would be proud. Some of the stuff is so neat.

Q: What do you think is neat?

A: Some of the shells and cannon balls. When those things went off they could do some damage. The artillery items — there are guns, rifles, bayonets — are just amazing. There is a pocket watch that is in pretty good shape. There are a lot of Union belt buckles. I have been to the Atlanta History Center and seen their collection. I think some of our artifacts are as good as theirs.

Q: How big a score was this for Smyrna?

A: We were just very, very fortunate to have been able to garner one of the largest collections in the state. All because I had a friend who was very much a part of the story. There is so much stuff and we can rotate it. Hopefully over the next few years, we will be able to display more pieces and tell the story about this part of our history.

Q: Do you think it is important to hold onto some history given how fast you are changing?

A: I said 25 years ago if folks were not ready for change they may as well load up their wagon and get on. A 1988 article from National Geographic called us a redneck town on the outskirts of Atlanta. Today we are a very diverse community. And you’ll be able to ride your skateboard to the new Braves stadium.

Q: Do you think the Civil War exhibit will be relevant to transplants from other parts of the country, or other countries for that matter?

A: Probably not all of them but this gives everybody a great opportunity to learn what time was like here 150 years ago. All you can do is give people the opportunity. And it ain’t going to cost them a dime.

Q: What does the exhibit mean to you?

A: The Civil War was the most divided time in our history. I’m a Southerner through and through but had the war gone the other way, I don’t know that we would have the same country.