The Confederate section of the Oakland cemetery, occupies six acres of high ground, it is marked by an 1873 obelisk and a monument to the unknown dead. The monument includes a wounded lion lying on a furled Confederate flag. This was a very sobering section of the cemetery.
If interested, you can read about Evans here.
WHERE HOOD WATCHED THE BATTLE OF ATLANTA
In 1856 James E. Williams (Mayor of Atlanta 1866-1868), built a residence atop this high ground which later became a part of Oakland Cemetery. From the second story of the house, Gen. John B. Hood, in command of Confederate forces, & members of his staff, watched that part of the Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, …
I can’t begin to imagine the horrific loss to the whole country this war caused and what people endured during these times. Just considering the medical care limitations during this period of history makes the suffering unimaginable.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Yes, a dreadful, horrific war. So much carnage, so much loss. If only Lincoln had not been assassinated, perhaps things would have been much different and the nation would have healed more quickly. Mr. Evans’ life is so interesting. Sad that he never came to give up his Confederate opinion. Wonder if a book has been written…
It is an overwhelming season in this countries life and there is still much lingering bitterness hidden away. The county we live in sits on the Kansas/Missouri border and only 1 home was left standing…..all the others were burnt. A few years ago the Historical Society turned the county into the Burnt District. It was amazing what that act stirred in people. So many people so far removed from those days but they have not forgotten nor forgiven. My brother worked for a bit in the South right out of college in the late 70’s and he was stunned at the bitterness he heard. We watched Ken Burns documentary on the Civil War and it really brought home the issues of medical care back then and how many died and remained on what would be called a MIA list now. It was stunning. It is a GIANT example to open our eyes in how to hand conflict and the aftermath….how to heal and find unity with others. That lion is sobering.
Ellen, that monument with the lion is just incredible! Have you read the book, My Name is Mary Sutter? One of the things that struck me was the horrible spread of disease, due to lack of knowledge and equipment for sanitation. I know the loss of life to disease was huge as well as from the fighting. This view of the cemetery is sobering and really makes us stop and think. Thank you for sharing it. Have a good weekend. laurie
Laurie, I haven’t read the book you mentioned but I was reading a series of mysteries by Anne Perry where she gets pretty graphic about the conditions during the Victorian era and the Civil War. The things we now take for granted, like antibiotics or anesthesia, weren’t available yet. It’s amazing anyone survived…
Hi Ellen,
Sobering indeed, and heartbreaking for me too. Anytime a life is lost in battle is heartbreaking. My husband is into Jeff Shaara’s Civil War book right now.
It’s not that long ago, really. Civil war is a terrible thing and no nation should take its internal peace for granted.