It’s more than three years until the 150th year commemoration of the Civil War, but officials already are planning to promote the tri-state area’s historical assets.
“It isn’t build it, and they will come. It’s promote it, and they will come,” local historian and Chickamauga City Manager John Culpepper said.
The region is rich with Civil War history — with landmarks and memorials, he said, from the Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga to national park sites such at Point Park, Orchard Knob and Missionary Ridge.
Learning about their roots and culture is a hobby of baby boomers, said Mr. Culpepper, a Georgia Civil War Commission official.
“Our past is our future now,” he said. “Baby boomers want to travel with their grandchildren. They want to see mountains and streams. They are not interested in Six Flags.”
Mr. Culpepper also serves with the Tri-State Civil War 150th Commemoration Association.
He said organizations and cities in Northwest Georgia, Southeast Tennessee and Northeast Alabama are planning promotions, drilling for the real deal, but still trying to inspire some reluctant troops like lagging Alabama groups.
It is going to be big, said Stephanie Snodgrass, director of tourism at the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
“The shear amount of advertising that is to go into the promotion will help to boost the number of people who are aware of the event,” Ms. Snodgrass said.
The nation’s oldest and largest military history park will be key in the 150th observance.
Jim Staub, supervisory park ranger at the Chickamauga Battlefield, said park officials are preparing interpretive programs for visitors who come through the area during the four years of commemoration, from 2011 to 2015.
He said the 150th anniversary is a watershed event for historical interpretation and preservation.
Billboards and print ads will promote the region. From the Chattanooga Convention Center to the military park, to small towns such as Jasper, Tenn., and Trenton, Ga., and the Dade Walker Chambers of Commerce, the budgets are planned to buy promotional ads.
Mr. Culpepper said planners developed the promotional slogan, “Where Heroes Fought.”
Hotels and transportation companies are designing travel packages. Driving tours are being planned, and online resources are being established to help guide visitors.
“Heritage tourism is extremely valuable because it showcases the distinctiveness of specific areas,” Ms. Snodgrass said. “Those who enjoy this type of tourism want to be surrounded by the way of life of the region.”
So, in addition to the importance of the history, officials are eager to capitalize on the heritage those momentous times left behind.
Mr. Culpepper, also a Civil War re-enactor, said the interest in international. He has met re-enactors from England and Australia, who have immersed themselves in American Civil War history.
But it is in our backyard, Mr. Culpepper said, and to promote it is a pleasure.
Others know Mr. Culpepper’s enthusiasm and knowledge is contagious — giving promise to successful promotion.
“I’m a Southern boy,” Mr. Culpepper said. “This is ingrained in my soul. It is ingrained in my DNA.”
FAST FACTS
* Officials said the Civil War’s anniversary is not “celebrated.” It is “commemorated,” or observed.
* On April 12, the commemoration of the Civil War will be exactly three years away.
* Officials aim to tell the story of the Civil War from a variety of viewpoints, without condoning or condemning.
* The Web site http://civilwar150th.com/ is under construction.
Source: John Culpepper
