See What Sherman Didn't Burn

A History of War...Anything But Civil

Cannonball House
On July 30, 1864 Union Army soldiers attacked this authentic Greek revival home (built in 1853). This home is the only site struck by a cannonball during the war. Hear of where the cannonball fell and see where it still lies inside this historic mansion. Following your tour, visit the Old South Museum Gift Shop featuring Civil War and Old South books and memorabilia. Located 856 Mulberry Street, (478) 745-5982.

Hay House
Step back into history at "The Palace of the South". This Italian Renaissance Revival Villa was built by William Butler Johnston, one of Macon’s wealthiest men. The mansion is exquisitely decorated with antiques collected by the three families who occupied the house beginning in 1859; the Johnstons, Feltons and Hay families. Hay House is now owned by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and is made up of 18,000 square feet, 24 rooms, 19 fireplaces, a beautiful trompe l’oell, magnificent plaster molding, a secret room said the have housed some of the Confederate gold. Located 934 Georgia Avenue, (478) 742-8155.

Sidney Lanier Cottage
Sidney Lanier, famous poet, linguist, musician, mathematician and lawyer. Volunteered in the Confederate army with the 2nd Georgia Battalion, the first company to go from Georgia to Virginia. Fought at Chickahominy and Malvern Hill. Lanier also served as a mounted scout for two years and in 1864 he became a signal officer on a blockade runner. His ship was captured and Lanier was imprisoned at Point Lookout, Maryland. Civil War artifacts are on display in the cottage museum and gift shop. Located 935 High Street (478) 743-3851.
Woodruff House
This Greek Revival Mansion built in 1836 was originally built for a railroad financier and banker, later owned by one of the South’s wealthiest cotton planters, Joseph Bond. The house once hosted a ball for Winnie Davis, daughter of Jefferson Davis, and was occupied by Union General Wilson in 1865. Restored, owned and operated now by Mercer University. Located 988 Bond Street. Open only during Cherry Blossom Festival in March and for special events.

Rose Hill Cemetery
Listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, this is one of the oldest surviving public cemetery parks in the United States. Winding paths and terraced hills overlook the Ocmulgee River. Located inside Confederate Square are the markers of 600 Confederate and Union Soldiers. Open daily until sunset. Self guided tours available (478) 751-9119.

Ocmulgee National Monument
Site of the Dunlap Farm House where the troops of General Sherman, led by General Stoneman, fired cannons upon the city of Macon only to strike the white columned home, the Cannonball House and a military hospital. Free admission. Located at 1207 Emery Highway, (478) 752-8257.

Washington Memorial Library
Extensive genealogy department and middle Georgia archives provide records and history. Located at 510 College Street, (478) 744-0820.

Confederate Monuments

Located on the corner of Cotton Avenue and Second Street in historic downtown Macon. Dedicated in memory of Bibb County Confederate casualties.

Located top of Poplar and Cotton Avenue across from City Hall. Dedicated in memory of the women of the Confederacy and their contributions to the war effort.

Old Clinton
Federal troops raided this western frontier town in July of 1864 en route to Macon and Andersonville. Union forces and Confederate Calvary fought for months before the Federals finally departed leaving destruction and economic ruin. After the war, Clinton steadily declined and is now a quiet, rural village. In May, the Clinton Historical Society, with the 16th Ga., Company "G," Jackson Rifles of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, presents its annual "Clinton War Days" when battles which were fought in and around Clinton are reenacted. Relive two historic war days as Confederate and Union Troops march from their encampments and clash once again as they did in 1864. For more information call (478) 986-3384 or (478) 986-6086.

Andersonville, Georgia
Located southwest of Macon, the Andersonville National Cemetery became the home of a huge prison camp for Union soldiers. The remains of nearly 13,000 Union prisoners of the Civil War are buried here. Opened in 1864 this National Historic Site is still used as a resting place for other American veterans and is a monument to all American prisoners of war, from the Revolutionary to Vietnam. Living history demonstrations are conducted.

Griswoldville Battlefield
In late November 1864 Georgia military marched its way from Macon to Augusta to protect an ammunition supply. When they arrived in Griswoldville, the town had been burned by Sherman’s troops as they made their march to the sea. Union forces had destroyed Samual Griswold’s Confederate arms plant in the process. An attack was made and after a three hour battle, Confederate troops repeatedly charged the Union positions leaving behind more Southern than Union casualties.