The National Register of Historic places, or NRHP recognizes the Marietta Confederate Cemetery as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by both sides in fighting the American Civil War.
The Marietta Confederate Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Marietta, Georgia, United States. It was established in 1863 by the Confederate States Army as a final resting place for Confederate soldiers who died during the Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War.
During the Atlanta Campaign, Marietta was an important transportation hub for the Confederacy, and the town was heavily fortified by Confederate forces. The Battle of Marietta, fought from June 9-10, 1864, was a key engagement of the campaign, and resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
After the battle, the Confederate dead were buried in a plot of land near the center of town, which was designated as the Marietta Confederate Cemetery. The cemetery was originally a simple, rectangular plot, with headstones made of wood or rough-hewn stone.
In 1866, the Ladies Memorial Association of Marietta began a campaign to beautify the cemetery and provide proper grave markers for the fallen soldiers. Over the next several years, they raised funds to replace the wooden markers with more durable marble headstones, and to plant trees and shrubs throughout the cemetery.
Today, the Marietta Confederate Cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,000 Confederate soldiers, including 2,963 soldiers whose identities are known, and an additional 295 unknown soldiers. The cemetery is owned and maintained by the City of Marietta, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the American Civil War.
NHRP
The National Register of Historic Places is a register or inventory of historic places in the United States that have been deemed worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. It is maintained by the National Park Service, a bureau of the United States Department of the Interior.
Established in 1966 under LBJ as part of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Register of Historic Places is an official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history and culture. Inclusion in the National Register is honorary and does not impose any legal restrictions on the use or ownership of the listed property.
The National Register of Historic Places serves as a tool to identify and protect historic properties by recognizing their significance and encouraging their preservation. The register includes a wide variety of properties, from individual buildings and historic districts to bridges, forts, ships, and even entire towns.
To be listed on the National Register, a property must meet certain criteria and be nominated by a State Historic Preservation Office or other approved nominating authority. The nomination must provide a detailed description of the property’s significance and history, as well as photographs, maps, and other supporting documentation.
The National Register of Historic Places is an important resource for researchers, historians, and preservationists, as well as for communities seeking to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
Battle of Marietta
The Battle of Marietta was a significant engagement during the American Civil War, fought from June 9-10, 1864, as part of the larger Atlanta Campaign. The battle was notable for several reasons:
- Location: Marietta was a strategically important location for both the Union and Confederate armies, as it was a major transportation hub and the site of important Confederate supply lines. Control of Marietta would allow the Union army to cut off Confederate supply lines and disrupt their communication and transportation network.
- Tactics: The battle was characterized by intense fighting and innovative tactics on both sides. The Union army, under the command of Major General William T. Sherman, used flanking maneuvers and coordinated assaults to break through Confederate lines. The Confederate army, under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston, employed defensive fortifications and counterattacks to try to hold their ground.
- Casualties: The battle resulted in heavy losses on both sides, with an estimated 3,000 Union soldiers and 1,000 Confederate soldiers killed, wounded, or captured. The Union army suffered particularly heavy losses, with several regiments losing over 50% of their men.
- Outcome: While the Confederates were able to hold their ground and repel the Union assault, the battle was ultimately a strategic victory for the Union. The Union army was able to break through Confederate lines and continue their advance towards Atlanta, which they would ultimately capture in September 1864.
Overall, the Battle of Marietta was a significant engagement in the Atlanta Campaign, and played a key role in the Union’s eventual victory in the Civil War.
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