Fort Wayne Park Opens!
State Park Development Targets Fall 2013 Completion.
June 21, 2013 -
The 60+ acre historic park at Fort Wayne was officially opened on this year's summer solstice. The effort was due to the cooperation of the Friends of Resaca Battlefield, the Gordon County Board of Commissioners, and various State officials. The park features a one-mile walking trail that covers much of the area once used as a Confederate encampment and parade grounds as well as a Federal fortification after the Battle of Resaca. Unique to Fort Wayne are some of the last remaining entrenchments constructed by the Georgia Militia and a well-preserved Redoubt constructed by Union troops. See photos of the area taken several years ago here.
A large gathering of various officials and supporters braved the warm temperatures to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony and to hear brief speeches given by several dignitaries including Friends of Resaca Battlefield President Ken Padgett, who was particularly instrumental in coordinating the development of the Fort Wayne site.
After the ceremony Ken and executive board member Keith Beason ventured over to the 500+ acre State Battlefield Park. There has been much activity on that location since our last update. Progress is being made and it is hoped that the State Park will open this fall. Stay tuned for more information. What follows are photographs from Fort Wayne and the State Park.
The entrance to the Fort Wayne Historic Site. It was a beautiful though warm day for the opening ceremony. On top of the wooded hill in the distance are both Confederate and Federal built entrenchments and fortifications. The grassy field in the foreground is part of what once was an encampment, staging area, and parade ground for Confederate troops during the War Between the States.
Part of a fairly large assemblage of people who participated in the 3PM ceremony.
Another shot of the history enthusiasts as they listen to Friends of Resaca Battlefield President Ken Padgett make some brief comments about the varied and historic significance of the Fort Wayne property to Gordon County.
Part of the interpretative signage available to visitors at Fort Wayne.
A map near the trail head showing the site and the various trails that are available or still under development at the Fort Wayne site.
The entrance to the 500+ acre State Battlefield Park under construction. On the right is traffic from Interstate 75 and work on a future exit ramp. On the left you can see part of a winding paved road that will take future visitors into the State Park and the much more isolated Camp Creek Valley. The entrance to the park is long and narrow. In the distance is "Cheatham Hill" - site of some of the best preserved Confederate entrenchments anywhere in the Resaca area.
Once inside Camp Creek Valley, you can appreciate the work that has gone into the State Park while maintaining the natural feel of the space. Natural and historic preservation go hand-in-hand. This has always been a major priority of the Friends of Resaca Battlefield. The road features several turn-off areas where future visitors will be able to park and take various walking tours. The road itself in 1.5 miles in length.
Part of a turn-off area. Here a walking space is created that extends out into the Camp Creek field. In the near future various interpretive signs and other attractions will be installed in the green space that will inform visitors of the battle that took place here and the lives of the soldiers and commanders involved.
The road ends at a pavilion and rest rooms currently under construction. This facility is located near the middle of Camp Creek Valley with beautiful, peaceful views in all directions. From here visitors can hike further north to the area of the most intense fighting within the boundaries of the Park. The rest rooms are totally compostable and feature the latest "green" design.
Another shot of a turn-off area with a bridge crossing Camp Creek to the Federal entrenchments located on the wooded hill just beyond the bridge. The Park promises to pay tribute to the brave soldiers on both sides of the intense fighting at Resaca in 1864. Again, our hopes are this Park will open to the public this fall.