"decatur georgia" Decatur by doug48

decatur is the county seat of dekalb county georgia. located about 10 miles east of downtown atlanta. decatur is surrounded by the atlanta urban sprawl. decatur was founded in 1823 and is named after stephen decatur. in the 1830's decatur was selected to be the southern terminus of the western and atlantic railroad. the citizens of decatur opposed the plan and the rail road was moved to what is today downtown atlanta. during the 1960's and 1970's decatur experienced "white flight" to distant suburbs and the town when into a state of decline. in the last twenty years decatur has experienced a period of urban gentrification and today decatur is a diverse and progressive city. decatur has much to offer the tourist. in the town center are a number of civil war historic sites, upscale shops and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. decatur is a very nice part of the metro atlanta area.

general joseph wheeler CSA

decatur was involved in the battle of atlanta during the civil war. on july 22nd 1864 confederate general joseph wheeler's cavalry was sent to decatur to attack union general james mc phearson's supply train at decatur's courthouse square. the supply train was forced out of town by wheeler's troops. later union general kenner garrard recaptured decatur and cut off confederate communication lines between atlanta and augusta. decatur was also the starting point for union general george stoneman's raid on the town of macon. stoneman failed to take macon and surrendered to the confederates at sunshine church northeast of macon. stoneman was the highest ranking union officer to be captured in the civil war.