ATLANTA (JULY 14, 2014) – The East Lake Family YMCA and Georgia Department of Natural Resources are replacing a Civil War battle marker that will be included in the celebration of the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta.
Representing Rice’s Brigade, the marker signifies the beginning of the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. The marker was damaged three years ago after being struck by a car.
The Battle of Atlanta Commemoration Organization, BATL, helped facilitate the marker’s replacement. The marker will be included in the battlefield tours Saturday, July 19, to commemorate the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta.
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The marker was originally erected more than 50 years ago on Memorial Drive in East Atlanta on the property of the Southeast Family YMCA. Located at 1765 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, 30317, it is now the YMCA Youth and Teen Development Center. Joining forces with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the East Lake Family YMCA included the renovation of the marker in the construction of the new center.
During Rice’s Brigade, Gen. Bate’s Confederate soldiers attacked Union forces after an all-night march around the city. The Battle of Atlanta resulted in a victory for Union troops and was a pivotal advancement in Sherman’s March to the Sea.
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Today, historical markers are rarely replaced due to a shift from government funding to private donation. Markers erected before 1998 are under jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and those created after are reviewed by the Georgia Historical Society through a competitive application process.
The marker can be viewed from the street and sidewalk, but has been moved farther from the roadway to prevent future incidents.
The Rice’s Brigade marker will be included on van and bike tours Saturday, July 19. The van tours leave every hour from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from the BATL headquarters at 447 Flat Shoals Ave. in the East Atlanta Village. Tickets can be purchased online for $15 at http://www.batlevent.org or $20 at the door. The 8-mile bike tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the headquarters and costs $25 if you provide your own bike and helmet or $30 to rent equipment.
BATL has hosted the East Lake Family YMCA campers over the last five years at a Frontlines Experience. Campers met Abraham Lincoln and experienced other Civil War reenactments. The East Lake Family YMCA helps each year with BATL's Doublequick 5K Race across the battlefield.
The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and connect. Visit http://www.ymcaatlanta.org or call 404-373-6561.
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CONTACTS:
Dedric Ross, associate executive, East Lake Family YMCA, 770-342-8869, dedricr@ymcaatlanta.org
Henry Bryant, East Lake Family YMCA board, coauthor of “Images of America: East Atlanta”, 404-377-6148, hbryant@mindspring.com
Josh Headlee, senior preservation technician, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 770-389-7811, josh.headlee@dnr.state.ga.us
Photo op:
July 16 marker installation, time TBD
July 19 battlefield tours
