It has been very enjoyable for me, the blogger, to be able to highlight for you, the reader, some of Atlanta's wonderful FREE attractions! I am a big fan of our wonderful city and truly view it as a beacon of the progressive south. In this the final installment of this series, I am going to start a little north of the city where the pivotal Civil War battle for Atlanta began, then move to the final resting place in the city proper of many of the diverse residents who have loved this city, and ending this blog, and this series, with a modern celebration highlighting the art, music, and culture that exemplify Atlanta, while hinting at its future! If you have read my previous posts in this series, you already know that I have ended each of those with a relevant quote and video. In this final installment, I would like to cite two important quotes at the outset. These quotes deal with history; more specifically the acceptance of our role and place in history, showcasing the courage we have demonstrated to move forward, writing today's story:

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is just over 25 miles north of downtown Atlanta and comprises almost 3,000 acres. This is the only free attraction that I have highlighted which is not accessible by mass transit so it will be necessary to drive. Click HERE for driving directions. It is fitting that the name Kennesaw comes from the Cherokee word for cemetery or burial ground. This, the opening battle for Atlanta, that lasted almost two weeks, during the Civil War, saw over 5,300 American soldiers killed. There are over 17 miles of interpretive trails throughout the park with three monuments representing the states who fought here. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a getaway from the city, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers something for everyone. Take a moment to walk the ancestral lands of the Cherokee Nation, see the remnants of the conflict that threatened to divide the young United States, and appreciate the beautiful manner in which nature tries to soothe the wounds through its inexorable progress.

Next up would be Oakland Cemetery located in downtown Atlanta situated between the King Center, the State Capitol Building, and Zoo Atlanta. Oakland Cemetery was established in by the city father on 88 acres of land. Oakland Cemetery represents the Victorian ideal of a rural garden which means there are winding trails with beautiful vistas, large trees, and ornate monuments and was intended to provide enjoyment for the living as well as final resting places for the deceased. The Lion of Atlanta (picture above) depicts a dying lion resting on a confederate flag and marks the final resting place of 3,000 dead Confederate soldiers. Traditionally, "lions in the cemetery can usually be found sitting on top of vaults and tombs, watching over the final resting-place of the departed. They also represent the courage, power and strength of the deceased individual" Source Citation: Kimberly Powell. Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Atlanta's most prominent citizens including Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, Bishop Wesley John Gaines, former slave, second pastor of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and founder of Morris Brown College, Joseph Jacobs, the pharmacist who introduced Coca-Cola as a beverage in 1896, and Maynard Jackson, the first African-American mayor of Atlanta. Oakland Cemetery is easily accessed via MARTA or by car or bus. Click HERE for directions!

Last up is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival which starts today! This festival, one of many Atlanta hosts, represents the future of this great city through art, music, and food. Please click on the hyper link to read my previous blog on this great festival. Read quickly as the festivities begin today and last all weekend (you might want to bring an umbrella as the forecast is for light rain and it is currently overcast)!

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee. On this occasion for remembrance I would like to leave you with a quote from another of Georgia's great sons, President Jimmy Carter, and a video of Bobby Kennedy announcing to his supporters the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

About the Author

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