Tag: Burning of Marietta

November 13th, 1864

November 13th, 1864

Sherman and his staff continue on toward Atlanta.  They move south from Allatoona and passed through Acworth.  All but a few homes in Acworth were destroyed.  Major Connolly described it as “a heap of ruins”.  Many officers were unable to or perhaps unwilling to stop the destructive and plundering nature of the soldiers under their command.  As Sherman and his staff approached Marietta, they passed through some of the earthworks that had been abandoned during the summer.  As they traveled they were able to see large, black columns of smoke coming form Marietta.  General Kilpatrick and his cavalry were in the town.  Guards had been posted to prevent Arson and looting, but were not able to do so and some officers were greatly disturbed by the unauthorized burning of the town.  While in Marietta, Sherman reviewed General Kilpatrick’s command.  He rode past and reviewed 5000 cavalry and at the end he took up a position to watch as they all road past cheering their General.  The business district of the town around the square had been burned and destroyed.

 

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Much of Acworth was destroyed by the time Sherman made his way through and as the last trains passed through the tracks were rendered useless.
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The Marietta Square saw a great deal of action during the civil war.  As Sherman’s troops were preparing to leave, some of them began burning the town.  Only a few period buildings remain.
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Marietta has grown into a large suburb of Atlanta and is known for hosting special events on the town square.
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Suburbanites not soldiers now fill the streets as they shop at the Saturday morning Farmers Market.
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The Marietta Museum of History in the historic Kennesaw House, is one of the few surviving period structures in the downtown business district.  At one time it functioned as a hotel and several of Andrew’s Raiders stayed here before stealing a train.  During the later part of the war, it functioned as a hospital for soldiers of both sides.