Location: Columbus
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5 History Museums in Columbus That You Shouldn't Miss
This bustling riverfront town offers good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, old-world charm and a treasure trove of discoveries for Civil War buffs. To really get the feel of another era, stroll through the National Historic District, a 28-block stretch of restored Victorian homes, gardens and gazebos, and tour the house museums in Heritage Corner. Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a mixture of old and new with the lovely 12-mile Columbus Riverwalk, which includes the Chattahoochee Promenade, a walking tour of historical markers. A chief supplier for the Confederate Army, the town's Civil War history is on display in myriad museums and historic sites like Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, which contains some of the Civil War's most important artifacts. But it's not all just war memorabilia: Columbus boasts a rich cultural side, with opera, symphony and a performing arts center. And for family fun, head to the Coca-Cola Space Museum for a simulated flight and a look at the first Coke machine used in outer space.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,233 reviews
The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Reviewed By A3278NLdeborahp
As an Army daughter born at Ft. Benning Army Base, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center was a bonus for me visiting my birthplace. It makes you proud of your veteran and all the American veterans. Plus it's free. I definitely recommend this tour.
2. Historic Westville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Historic Westville is a museum of southern history and culture representing the diversity of the Southern Experience by telling the stories of ALL southern peoples including European Americans, African Americans, American Indians, and immigrants. To show their lives were inextricably linked but their experiences diverse due to race, class, and gender.
Reviewed By N8497GKdennisw - Dallas, United States
Westville is a village of buildings moved in from around the general area of Columbus to show how life was back in the day. The buildings are all restored. There are houses and churches and stores to see. The have people there is period costume to tell the stories of the buildings... the people who lived or worked in them. The village has dirt streets which make it more realistic. When we were there it had really rained and the streets were mud. There is a gift shop which sells things made onsite. If you like that sort of history... go and see Westville.. it will really take you back.
3. National Civil War Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
By telling the stories of the navies of the Civil War, we connect people with the past; giving them a better sense of place and time. Located in Columbus, Georgia, the National Civil War Naval Museum overlooks the Chattahoochee River. We house the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as the wreckage of the CSS Chattahoochee. Other exhibits include a full scale ship replica of the USS Water Witch, a replica of the USS Hartford with its berth deck, ward room and captain’s cabin, an actual cutter or "ship's boat" from the USS Hartford, a full scale replica of the USS Monitor’s famous turret, and an immersive panoramic dockside exhibit recreating Plymouth, North Carolina, complete with an exterior and interior view of the CSS Albemarle. Among our many artifacts, we have the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the country. The collection includes various flags from ships and coastal forts, signal flags and Admirals’ pennants.
Reviewed By msgttop - Tallahassee, United States
Must see if you are a Civil War buff or interested in American history. This is dedicated to ships and battles of the Civil War. There were a lot more iron clads on both sides than I realized. Highly informative with perfect displays documenting the conflict from both sides. Enjoy.
4. Columbus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
The second largest art museum in Georgia offers room after room of fine and decorative American art, with a special emphasis on the Southeast and the Chattahoochee River Valley. With kids in tow, don't miss Transformations, the museum's interactive gallery where children can create their own masterpieces.
Reviewed By 79jams - Pine Mountain, United States
This is a greata free to visit place to see art, Georgia history, and just enjoy some quiet meandering. We have seen exhibits from pagent dresses, to fine art, and the history section walks you through a timeline of Georgia. If it had more than five stars I would sure check that option.
