The LAMAR Institute from Savannah has completed their research work into the July 1864 Battle of Ruff’s Mill. A lot of the fighting took place inside the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District, and the Friends organization has been happy to support this exciting project during the application process, helping with online research, and volunteering for actual field work. On May 1st, the LAMAR Institute will be in town for a public meeting summarizing the project and its findings, and answering questions about the work. We will have a screening of the 30-minute video documentary of the project, “Double Quick – Bayonets Fixed”, and videographer Mark Albertin will be available for questions.
I will display some of the Civil War relics that have been recovered in the past (artifacts recovered during this project are being curated at Georgia Southern University’s R.M. Bogan Archaeological Repository in Statesboro, Georgia).
One of the Ruff family descendants is still in possession of a cavalry sabre that was plowed up in the district around 1910 which will also be on display.
This May 1st meeting will be a great opportunity to interact with the archaeology team, learn more about local Civil War history in Cobb County, and screen the documentary for the first time. Mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, 3 PM. The meeting will be held at the Smyrna Public Library, and is being hosted by the Friends of the Smyrna Public Library, The Smyrna Historical Society, and the Friends of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District.
See you then!