Atlanta, Georgia -
Atlanta Cyclorama - Battle of Atlanta

Atlanta Cyclorama - Battle of Atlanta

Well worth the trip, even for those of us who live in the area. The details are amazing and, since a restoration effort years ago, the effect is breathtaking. [Katharine Chestnut, 06/24/2010]

Atlanta Cyclorama - Battle of Atlanta

Circular sound n' light multimedia depiction of the Civil War Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, blends the World's Largest Oil Painting with three-dimensional battle scenes. The painting is 350 ft. long, 42 ft. high, viewed from a revolving platform.

The painting was commissioned as publicity by John "Blackjack" Logan, a Union general at the Battle, who was running for Vice President with James Blaine in 1884. Logan was prominently displayed in one scene leading other generals into the fray. When he lost the election, he didn't pay for his giant painting, which many foreign artisans worked on.The painting toured with a circus, until it came to Atlanta in 1892, and was permanently installed in its current building in 1921. The building was heavily promoted as "fireproof" due to the high incidence of cycloramas of the era going up in smoke.

Celebrity note: At Clark Gable's request, Rhett Butler was added to the artwork, but as a dead soldier. James Earl Jones narrates an introductory film about the South's heroic attempts to save Atlanta, culminating in the Cyclorama we are about to see. At the end there is a museum of weapons, uniforms and other artifacts. [Roadsideamerica.com Team, 06/19/2004]