(On the Battle Fields of ATLANTA) – One of the most fierce and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War will be commemorated in July as historians mark the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta. 

The Battle of Atlanta was a battle of the Atlanta Campaign fought during the American Civil War in July of 1864, just southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Continuing their summer campaign to seize the important rail and supply center of Atlanta, Union forces overwhelmed and defeated Confederate forces defending the city. Despite the implication of finality in its name, the battle occurred mid-way through the campaign and the city would not fall for another six weeks.

To commemorate this important date in the city's history, several historic Atlanta have teamed up to organize B*ATL on the weekend of July 17th-19th. These neighborhoods are where the Civil War battle occurred. This will be a day of remembrance but also fun with something for everyone including: aGala Dinner and House Tour, a 5K run, Van and Walking Tours, a re-creation of the Frontlines with Re-enactment Soldiers, Historic Music, “Gone With the Wind in 20 Minutes”, Home Front Living History and more.

The event will be kicked off on Friday, July 17th with the B*ATL Gala, a dinner spread and tour in one of the area's historic homes. The 3rd Annual Double Quick 5K Race will kick off Saturday's events drawing runners from across Georgia (and the US) to traverse the battleground in the Kirkwood neighborhood. Runners can register for the race online.

Two different Van tours will be offered again this year all day on Saturday following the path of The Battle of Atlanta. Additionally, there will be walking tours along the battle lines. The tours will highlight interesting facts and personal stories about the events that took place in that fateful battle. There is also a limited free tour of Oakland Cemetery near the Cabbagetown neighborhood and limited free tours of nearby Cyclorama. The Oakland and Cyclorama Tours will also be offered on Sunday. Reservations for the free tours will be at B*ATL ticket locations. Again this year the Sylvester Cemetery Foundation will be offering tours of its historic 1842 burial ground.

The East Atlanta Village which hugs the Flat Shoals Ave. and Glenwood Ave. intersection will host concerts, living history and demonstrations throughout the day. Soldiers will be on hand at nearby monuments for wreath-laying ceremonies for the two fallen Generals. 

Tickets for the Gala and B*ATL tours can be purchased in the East Atlanta Village at East Atlanta Ace Hardware, and Traders Store as well as Oakland Cemetery and Donna Van Gogh's in Lake Claire-Candler Park. For more information and to order tickets online, go to www.batlevent.org. Most of the day's activities are completely free.

The Oakland Cemetery Foundation, The East Lake Family YMCA, Sylvester Cemetery Foundation, and The Atlanta Preservation Center are assisting the B*ATL committee representing the various neighborhood associations. Major sponsors include The City of Atlanta and The Georgia Humanities Council.

Additional media information is available at www.batlevent.org or by calling 404-377-6148.

Media Contact: Henry Bryant, 404-377-6148 or hbryant@mindspring.com.