149th anniversary of the Battle of Dunlap Hill - Macon, Georgia

Dunlap House at Ocmulgee National Monument

Today is the 149th anniversary of the day that "Stoneman's cavalry came to tear up the tracks again" at Macon, Georgia (to borrow a line from the old song, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down").

Confederate Gen. Howell Cobb was waiting at Macon with a force of Georgia Reserves, militia and a few regular troops. With them he would turn on Union Gen. George H. Stoneman who was raiding south from near Atlanta with 2,000 men in hopes of liberating the Federal prisoners of war at Camp Oglethorpe in Macon and Camp Sumter at Andersonville. 

Confederate Fortifications at Dunlap Hill

The action, fought on the northern edge of Macon and in part on the grounds of today's Ocmulgee National Monument, is remembered today as the Battle of Dunlap Hill or Battle of Dunlap's Farm. A Confederate victory, it ended any hopes Stoneman had of riding on to Andersonville and instead set in motion a change of events that would lead to him becoming the highest ranking Union officer captured during the entire Civil War!

A preliminary action to the coming Battle of Sunshine Church, but an important encounter that turned the tide of Stoneman's Georgia Raid, the Battle of Dunlap Hill was a significant event in the history of the Atlanta Campaign.

Read more about the battle at:

• http://southernhistory.blogspot.com/2013/07/battle-of-dunlap-hill-149th-anniversary.html.
• www.exploresouthernhistory.com/dunlaphill.

And be sure to watch for more tomorrow and throughout the week on the Battle of Sunshine Church!

New Georgia State Park set to open on Lake Lanier!

The following is a press release on the opening of the brand new Don Carter State Park at Lake Lanier, Georgia!

 

 

Lake Lanier’s Don Carter State Park to open July 15

First Georgia State Park and newest beach to open on Lake Lanier

 

 

GAINESVILLE, GA., July 8, 2013 -- Lake Lanier fans can look forward to a new place to play this summer when Don Carter State Park opens on July 15.  Georgia’s first state park on the 38,000-acre reservoir will feature camping, boat ramps, fishing, picnicking, playgrounds, hiking and a large swimming beach.  Parking is $5 and most day-use activities are free.

 

Situated on the north end of the reservoir, the 1,316-acre park offers access to a quiet section of the normally busy lake. Swimmers will enjoy the large beach with sloped lawn and bath house.  New boat ramps provide quick access to the lake, and anglers can prepare their catch at a fish-cleaning station.  A 1.5-mile paved trail welcomes hikers, bikers and strollers to explore surrounding hardwoods, while a two-mile trail can be explored on foot.

 

Don Carter State Park offers overnight getaways as well.  A modern campground with hot showers accommodates RVs, while another camping area is reserved just for tents and hammocks.  Although the park will soon accept reservations, campsites will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis during the first few weeks of opening.

 

Those who prefer a soft bed over a sleeping bag can look forward to the eight rental cabins, opening later this summer.  The two-bedroom cabins are perched on wooded hillsides near the lake, with rocking-chair porches and fully equipped kitchens. 

 

Don Carter State Park offers a bargain getaway on Lake Lanier.  Visitors pay $5 for parking, and most activities – including swimming – are free.  Campsites range from $15 to $29, and cabins will be $110 to $160.  Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in the campground, but not in the visitor center and most cabins.  Covered picnic shelters rent for $45 and are perfect for family reunions, birthday parties and casual receptions.  Georgia’s newest state park is named in honor of Don Carter, the longest serving member (29 years) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources board. 

 

Although the park officially opens July 15, the state will host a grand opening ceremony later this fall.  To learn more, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/doncarter or call 678-450-7726 after July 15.

 

 

Don Carter State Park -- At A Glance

 

5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd.
Gainesville, GA 30506
678-450-7726
GeorgiaStateParks.org/doncarter

 

Located northeast of Gainesville, on the north side of Lake Lanier. From Clarks Bridge Road, go south on N. Browning Bridge Road. At the “Y,” take the left fork and continue for one-half mile to the park entrance.  Coordinates:  N 1596520, E 2423230

 

Accommodations & Facilities
• 1,316 Acres
• 8 Cottages -- still under construction ($110-$160)
• 46 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites -- ($25-$29)
• 12 Walk-in Tent Sites ($15)
• 6 Picnic Shelters ($45)
• 39,000-Acre Lake Lanier

 

Things To Do & See
• Fishing – ramps, fish-cleaning station
• Boating – ramps and docks
• Lake Swimming -- large sand beach
• Hiking and Biking – 1.5-mile paved multi-use trail and 2-mile hiking trail
• Picnicking
• Playgrounds

 

Park Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.