One of Northwest Georgia’s most anticipated historical events is returning this weekend as the annual Battle of Resaca Civil War Reenactment marks the 162nd anniversary of the historic battle.
Held May 16-17 on the historic Chitwood Farm just north of Resaca off Highway 41, the event is recognized as Georgia’s oldest and largest Civil War reenactment. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the two-day living history experience hosted by the Georgia Division Reenactors Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Civil War history.
The annual event brings history to life with large-scale battlefield reenactments, authentic military camps, historical demonstrations, period music and family-friendly educational activities.
The centerpiece of the weekend will be the battle reenactments scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Camps will close to the public during the battles and reopen afterward.
In addition to the battles, visitors will have opportunities to tour military camps, speak with reenactors portraying soldiers, and experience a variety of living history activities throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s schedule includes a memorial service at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery beginning at 10 a.m., while Sunday will feature a period church service at the Social Fly.
Other attractions throughout the weekend include period medical demonstrations, cavalry competitions for reenactors, historical music performances, shopping along Sutler Row for period wares, food and beverage vendors, and a reenactor clothing yard sale.
The event site opens to the public at 9 a.m. each day, with activities continuing until 5 p.m.
Organizers say the event will be held rain or shine. In the event of lightning, battle reenactments may be delayed temporarily but will resume as soon as conditions are safe.
The Battle of Resaca was fought May 13-15, 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War and remains one of the most significant historic events connected to Gordon County and Northwest Georgia.