Our friend and historian Dr. Mary Ann Fitzpatrick spoke last evening at the Marietta Museum of History beginning the culmination of the Civil War Sesquicentennial and reenactment of the burning of Marietta. Her subject was General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (1836 -
1881). Popular opinion claims Sherman was responsible for the burnings in Georgia, but historical research points to Kilpatrick as the one who gave the direct order for the burning of homes and buildings in Marietta.
Gen. Kilpatrick was the subject of Mary Ann's doctorate dissertation at Mercer. She quoted it was said Kilpatrick was clumsy when he rode a horse, like a monkey. Interestingly, he and General George Custard met during the Atlanta campaign, both being egomaniacs.
During her extensive research to learn his personality, she was fortunate to locate his diary that gave a view into just what made him tick and his drive to not let history pass him by.
Gen. Kilpatrick was the subject of Mary Ann's doctorate dissertation at Mercer. She quoted it was said Kilpatrick was clumsy when he rode a horse, like a monkey. Interestingly, he and General George Custard met during the Atlanta campaign, both being egomaniacs.
During her extensive research to learn his personality, she was fortunate to locate his diary that gave a view into just what made him tick and his drive to not let history pass him by.
General Kilpatrick was a daring and cruel
man. He lived life on the edge, being the type of man who could harm the enemy without remorse. During war, it is good to
have men like him on your side, but sad men like him have to exist.
Mary Ann Fitzpatrick and Marietta City Manager Bill Bruton
I apologize that I did not take better pictures due to poor lightning.
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