Profiles in Preservation: George Battlefields Association

Since it's founding in 1995, the Georgia Battlefields Association (GBA) has been a cornerstone of historic preservation in the state, working tirelessly to acquire, protect, and promote Georgia’s Civil War battlefields. As a nonprofit organization, GBA is dedicated not only to preserving land but also to fostering public understanding of the historical events that shaped Georgia and the United States. Through its efforts, GBA ensures that these places remain relevant to current and future generations.

At the heart of GBA’s mission is its commitment to community engagement and education. GBA promotes monthly Civil War Round Tables in Dalton, Cobb County, Atlanta and Northeast Georgia, creating forums where historians and citizens can discuss and deepen their understanding of Civil War history. Additionally, GBA publishes a monthly newsletter, offering insights into historical events, updates on preservation efforts and information about upcoming activities.

A highlight of GBA's outreach is its annual historical tour, which has been a staple for more than 20 years. These tours provide participants with an immersive experience of Georgia’s history, combining expert-led discussions with on-site exploration. This year’s tour will focus on Chickamauga, one of the most significant battlefields of the Civil War. Past tours have included a visit to Savannah, dedicated to its Revolutionary War history, and a journey from Crawfordville to Augusta, which incorporated the Revolutionary War battlefield at Kettle Creek.

While GBA’s primary focus is on the Civil War, its contributions to preserving sites from the Revolutionary War are equally noteworthy. The Kettle Creek Battlefield, spanning 220 acres, stands as a testament to GBA’s preservation efforts. This site, significant for the Patriot victory over loyalist forces on Valentine’s Day 1779, was the first major Patriot victory in Georgia’s backcountry during the Revolutionary War. Partnering with the Trust and other organizations, in 2019, 180 additional acres were transferred to the park, tripling its size and ensuring the battlefield’s preservation for public access and education. This achievement reflects the power of collaboration and underscores GBA’s commitment to protecting Georgia’s revolutionary past.

The partnership between GBA and the American Battlefield Trust spans decades, with both organizations sharing a deep commitment to preserving historic battlefields and educating the public about their significance. While we operate on a national scale, GBA specializes in Georgia’s unique historical landscape, making the partnership mutually beneficial and highly effective.

This collaborative journey began in 1997 with the acquisition of 17 acres at Griswoldville, the site of the only pitched battle faced by General William T. Sherman’s troops during their march from Atlanta to Savannah. Today, Griswoldville features interpretive historical markers and a kiosk, allowing visitors to learn about the site’s importance while enjoying a preserved and accessible environment managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. GBA and the Trust have worked together to preserve land at some of Georgia’s most important Civil War sites, including Chickamauga, Resaca, and Rocky Face Ridge. These sites, integral to understanding the strategies and outcomes of the Civil War, now stand as preserved monuments to the sacrifices made during one of America’s most tumultuous periods.

As the American Battlefield Trust continues its work nation-wide, Georgia remains a focal point for its preservation efforts, and we are poised to continue our shared mission of protecting and promoting Georgia’s historic battlefields. Our combined efforts ensure that these sites remain preserved not only as physical spaces but also as invaluable resources for education, reflection and inspiration.