For this next blog/bucket list post, we are going to focus on iconic war landmarks(and a few museums) that tell the history and stories of some of America’s biggest wars, the soldiers and veterans who fought in them, and the impacts they made and still make today. While there were many others I could have chosen, I decided that these were going to be good and iconic enough and I could save the others for later blogs. Lets get started.

 

Currahee Military Museum

War Associated With: WWII

Historical Background: This museum honors the legacy of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division, which trained at Camp Toccoa during World War II. The camp, established in 1942, became a crucial training site for paratroopers who would go on to play key roles in several pivotal battles, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. The regiment earned its nickname, “Currahees” from a Native American word meaning “stand alone,” reflecting the courage and resilience of the soldiers. The museum, located in Toccoa’s historic train depot, features exhibits that showcase the experiences of these paratroopers, highlighting the rigorous training they underwent, their contributions to major WWII campaigns, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood they formed. Artifacts, uniforms, photographs, and personal stories of veterans provide a rich, immersive experience for visitors. The museum also offers educational programs and guided tours of the nearby Currahee Mountain, where soldiers once conducted their grueling training runs. Through its exhibits and preservation efforts, the Currahee Military Museum ensures that the bravery and sacrifices of these airborne soldiers are remembered and celebrated.

My Experience(If any): Again, this is one of those spots that I haven’t been to yet, despite the fact I’ve probably passed by it 20 times on my way to South Carolina. One day I plan to give it a shot though.

Hours Of Operation: 10 A.M.-4 P.M. Monday-Saturday

Best Time Of Year To Go: Spring-Fall

 

 

Atlanta History Center

War Associated With: Civil War

Historical Background: Technically, as a museum that tells Atlanta’s history, this museum tells about several wars. However, with the world class exhibit of the Cyclorama available at the museum, it literally feels as if you have taken through a time machine to a real life look into the American Civil War and what Atlanta looked like back in that tenure of time. For those who are not familiar with the 360-degree wall is a popular painting depicting the battles and landscapes of the famous 1864 Battle of Atlanta. For those who know your Civil War history, you know that this was a vital battle in which the Union’s goal was to dismantle as much of the Confederate War effort as possible. As you should know, this is a battle that the Confederate Army did not win and the Union achieved their goal by destroying the railroads that delivered all of the South’s goods.

My Experience(If any): As a visitor to this museum myself, I can go ahead and tell you that it is one you DO NOT want to miss out on if you love history, figuring out why things are the way they are, or even if you are a movies or TV show fan! The Cyclorama experience truly is one you want to experience at least once in your life. Luckily, for me, I have seen it twice. The first time, I saw it at its old location in 2003 near the Atlanta Zoo on a 4th grade field trip before it was moved to its current location. Both times were pretty great experiences, but that may just be me as others have different opinions about it.

Hours Of Operation: Tuesday-Sunday 9 A.M.-4 P.M.

Best Time Of Year To Go: Ideally, I would pick fall as the best season to go. Not only is it mild enough to go outside, but you can also enjoy the outside. Spring is mildly warm enough outside, but it may be unbearable for those who suffer with allergies and pollen. As for Summer, if you know, you know(HOTlanta, although we never call it that down here, does become a thought). And wintertime, as we all know, can be cold, BUT that gives you plenty of time to venture throughout the inside of the museum. Pick your own time/poison.

 

 

Andersonville National Historic Site

War Associated With: Civil War

Historical Background: Honestly, the history of this place really isn’t a pretty one. The themes include imprisonment, starvation, death, and pretty much everything dark that you can think of. The reason for this? Well, it was a war prison for over 33,000 Union soldiers who were subject to the conditions of malnutrition, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation. Because of these conditions, about 13,000(Over 1/3) of the soldiers/prisoners died. It is because of these conditions and facts that the site is restored and preserved for the fact that it is a reminder of the Civil War and the costs that came with it as a prisoner of war. When you visit here, it is a reminder of what a bitter and gruesome war the Civil War truly turned out to be.

My Experience(If any): I haven’t been here just yet, but for you ghost and paranormal activity fans, I’ve wanted to since my ghost/paranormal activity fan days. Yes, even since my beliefs on ghosts and paranormal activity have changed since I was a younger teenager, I do remember this being a place where you were supposed to be able to find the “ghosts” of several past soldiers. Regardless of what I believe now myself, I would still visit based on its history, but especially for those looking for ghosts and spirits. If ever there was anywhere else to find them, I guarantee it would be here!

Hours Of Operation: 8 A.M.-5 P.M. Sunday-Saturday

Best Time Of Year To Go: Given this location is in Southwest Georgia, I would say that the best times to visit would be winter-spring. Here in Georgia, the summers are almost unbearable, and the falls aren’t much different “down south”, but winters and early spring should be rather moderate.

 

 

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

War Associated With: Civil War

Historical Background: Established in 1890, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park was the first national military park in the United States. It preserves the battlefields of two significant Civil War battles: the Battle of Chickamauga (September 1863) and the Battle of Chattanooga (November 1863). These battles were pivotal in the Western Theater of the war and played a crucial role in the Union’s eventual victory. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought between Union forces, commanded by Major General William Rosecrans, and Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg. It resulted in a Confederate victory, but the Union Army was able to retreat to Chattanooga, where it was later relieved by Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant. The subsequent Battle of Chattanooga broke the Confederate siege of the city and opened the way for Union forces to advance into Georgia. The park spans over 5,000 acres across Georgia and Tennessee, with numerous monuments, memorials, and preserved sites. It serves as both a historic site and an educational resource, offering visitors a chance to explore the pivotal military events that shaped the Civil War and ultimately helped lead to the Union’s victory.

My Experience(If any): I went here as a young boy with my Papaw Lance. Although there were guided tours available, my Papaw Jack was a “little tight”(A lot actually LOL) with his money. So, he saved some money and we did our touring through him! We were able to go see where our ancestors had fought and exactly which fields they were in during the battle, but if you asked me today, I’d definitely not know the exact spots. Inside the visitor’s center, there were many exhibits to learn from, books to purchase, souvenirs to buy, and all of that good stuff. However, I may need to give this a 2nd chance because being the young kid I was at the time, it didn’t really spark my interest much at the time.

Hours Of Operation: 8:30 AM–5 PM, 7 days a week

Best Time Of Year To Go: Spring and Fall

 

 

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

War Associated With: Several

Historical Background: Again, this is more of a museum as opposed to an actual war landmark, but nonetheless, it still tells stories about war, making it good enough to make the list. This war museum in Columbus, Georgia, was established to honor the U.S. Army Infantry and its role in American military history. Opened in 2009, the museum showcases over 200 years of Infantry history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and extending through modern conflicts, including World War I. The museum’s exhibits highlight the bravery, sacrifice, and achievements of American soldiers, with a focus on those who served in the Infantry. The museum includes immersive displays and galleries that bring historical moments to life, such as the “Soldiers Walk” and the “The Price of Freedom” exhibit, which covers key moments from World War I. One of the most significant areas of the museum is the Global War on Terror Memorial. As a tribute to the men and women who served, the National Infantry Museum stands as a testament to the Infantry’s enduring impact on America’s military history.

My Experience(If any): Unfortunately, I cannot say that I have even gotten close to getting to this museum aside from when I visited Columbus myself. Hopefully one day I can get to it though!

Hours Of Operation: Closed Mondays; Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 9am – 5pm and Sundays 11am – 5pm.

Best Time Of Year To Go: Spring and Fall