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A Changing Wind: Commerce and Conflict in Civil War Atlanta
A compelling exploration of what real life was like for residents of Civil War–era Atlanta
In 1845, Atlanta was the last stop at the end of a railroad line, the home of just twelve families and three general stores. By the 1860s, it was a thriving Confederate city, second only to Richmond in importance. A Changing Wind is the first history to explore the experiences of Atlanta’s civilians during the young city’s rapid growth, the devastation of the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era when Atlanta emerged as a “New South” city.
A Changing Wind vividly brings to life the stories of Atlanta’s diverse citizens—white and black, free and enslaved, well-to-do and everyday people. A rich and compelling account of residents’ changing loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy, the book highlights the unequal economic and social impacts of the war, General Sherman’s siege, and the stunning rebirth of the city in postwar years. The final chapter of the book focuses on Atlanta’s historical memory of the Civil War and how racial divisions have led to separate commemorations of the war’s meaning.
In 1845, Atlanta was the last stop at the end of a railroad line, the home of just twelve families and three general stores. By the 1860s, it was a thriving Confederate city, second only to Richmond in importance. A Changing Wind is the first history to explore the experiences of Atlanta’s civilians during the young city’s rapid growth, the devastation of the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era when Atlanta emerged as a “New South” city.
A Changing Wind vividly brings to life the stories of Atlanta’s diverse citizens—white and black, free and enslaved, well-to-do and everyday people. A rich and compelling account of residents’ changing loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy, the book highlights the unequal economic and social impacts of the war, General Sherman’s siege, and the stunning rebirth of the city in postwar years. The final chapter of the book focuses on Atlanta’s historical memory of the Civil War and how racial divisions have led to separate commemorations of the war’s meaning.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 29, 2014
The beginning & ending points of this book are a historical cemetery in Atlanta where many notable citizens were buried, along with a separate section where African-Americans were buried. This book traces the history of Atlanta from its pre-war development to its rebuilding after the Civil War & Reconstruction. Some of the high points of this book include telling the stories of women who cared for the sick & wounded and became a powerful voice in society during the war and a prominent African-American dentist whose white professional rivals felt threatened by his success. The author uses diaries, letters & period newspaper stories as primary source materials.
As one would expect, there's a gap in the story following Sherman's orders to expel many civilians from Atlanta & his army's destruction of anything of military value in Atlanta prior to beginning his March to the Sea until near the end of the war.
I recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn more about civilian life in Atlanta during the Civil War.
As one would expect, there's a gap in the story following Sherman's orders to expel many civilians from Atlanta & his army's destruction of anything of military value in Atlanta prior to beginning his March to the Sea until near the end of the war.
I recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn more about civilian life in Atlanta during the Civil War.
October 17, 2016
This is a good history of the founding of Atlanta and its growth and destruction. It lacks the color and emotion of The Bonfire by Mac Wortman, but I found it enjoyable.
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June 18, 2018Wendy Hamand Venet
ΦBK, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1977
Author
From the publisher: In 1845, Atlanta was the last stop at the end of a railroad line, the home of just twelve families and three general stores. By the 1860s, it was a thriving Confederate city, second only to Richmond in importance. A Changing Wind is the first history to explore the experiences of Atlanta’s civilians during the young city’s rapid growth, the devastation of the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era when Atlanta emerged as a “New South” city.
A Changing Wind vividly brings to life the stories of Atlanta’s diverse citizens—white and black, free and enslaved, well-to-do and everyday people. A rich and compelling account of residents’ changing loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy, the book highlights the unequal economic and social impacts of the war, General Sherman’s siege, and the stunning rebirth of the city in postwar years. The final chapter of the book focuses on Atlanta’s historical memory of the Civil War and how racial divisions have led to separate commemorations of the war’s meaning.
ΦBK, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1977
Author
From the publisher: In 1845, Atlanta was the last stop at the end of a railroad line, the home of just twelve families and three general stores. By the 1860s, it was a thriving Confederate city, second only to Richmond in importance. A Changing Wind is the first history to explore the experiences of Atlanta’s civilians during the young city’s rapid growth, the devastation of the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era when Atlanta emerged as a “New South” city.
A Changing Wind vividly brings to life the stories of Atlanta’s diverse citizens—white and black, free and enslaved, well-to-do and everyday people. A rich and compelling account of residents’ changing loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy, the book highlights the unequal economic and social impacts of the war, General Sherman’s siege, and the stunning rebirth of the city in postwar years. The final chapter of the book focuses on Atlanta’s historical memory of the Civil War and how racial divisions have led to separate commemorations of the war’s meaning.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews