THE MILITARY BASE IN ATLANTA & OTHER GREAT TOURIST SITES TO VISIT
If you’re looking for a military base in Atlanta, Fort McPherson takes the cake. There are several military bases near Atlanta, GA, and all throughout the Peach State. But for sightseers looking for military attractions, there are a number of destinations that preserve the history of one of the original thirteen colonies that would become the United States of America. Explore some of the great places to see and learn about history while enjoying the still thriving military community that helps make the fourth state in the U.S. so special.Related read: How To Get the New Free National Park Pass for Veterans
Is There a Military Base in Atlanta?
Depending on who you ask, technically, there is no military base in Atlanta. But Fort McPherson can be found southwest of downtown and offers the strongest sense of a traditional military installation available in the Big Peach.However, there are several additional military bases throughout Georgia that you can find all around. We’ve already covered Fort McPherson in East Point, GA, but many others include:
- Camp Frank D Merrill Army Base in Dahlonega, GA
- Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, GA
- Fort Benning Army Base in Columbus, GA
- Fort Gillem Army Base in Forest Park, GA
- Fort Gordon Army Base in Augusta, GA
- Fort Stewart Army Base in Liberty, GA
- Hunter Army Airfield Army Base in Savannah, GA
- Kings Bay Submarine Navy Base in Kings Bay, GA
- MCLB Albany Army Base in Albany, GA
- Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA
- NAS Atlanta Navy Base in Marietta, GA
- Robins Air Force Base in Houston, GA
Visiting the Atlanta History Center
If you haven’t been to the Atlanta History Center, be sure to book your trip as soon as you're done reading this. Everything from proper, formal events to historical houses and sites can be found throughout the grounds as it operates as both an events venue and an institution of cultural preservation.Schedule a tour to enjoy the Goizueta Gardens, learn about the history of the Battle of Atlanta at the Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building, or other topics on customized tours. You can even host an event throughout the stunning 33-acre property. Art, culture, and the preservation of Atlanta’s history all collide in this top-of-the-line space fit for any visitor.Suggested read: 5 Military-Themed Cocktails to Wash Down Your Veteran Celebrations
Attend a VETLANTA Event
In 2014, a collaboration happened between The Coca-Cola Company and Veteran Employee Resource Groups/Veteran Affinity Groups from Fortune 500 companies. This collaboration in the greater Atlanta area brought together a group that put Veterans at the forefront.Recognizing the potential for collaboration, they formed VETLANTA to collectively assist Veterans. The community has been thriving ever since.The group expanded beyond Fortune 100 companies to include participants from various organizations, including small to medium-sized companies, Veteran nonprofits, government agencies, academia, and transitioning Veterans.Today, there are over 5,000 members representing hundreds of organizations within VETLANTA. Both Veterans and non-Veterans come together to support the military community and host Veteran-centric events.
Alpharetta Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201
Around 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta is the Walk of Memories. Located at American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta, Georgia, you’ll find plenty of amazing items that have likely either seen a military base in Atlanta or have been used by someone who has trained at one. This includes:
- An Air Force T-33 Trainer
- An M60 tank
- A UH-1 Huey
- A 40mm Mark 1 twin gun
But at the heart of the AL Post is the mix of current community and past remembrance. Not only are Medal of Honor recipients featured, but the core draw is the Walk of Memories where bricks honor those Veterans who have served. You can even honor a loved one yourself with one of the remaining 7,000 bricks available.
More Than Military Bases in Atlanta
Although Atlanta has much more to offer than military installations, you can actually visit Fort McPherson. In fact, one of the more unique features of the base is that there is an active movie studio operated by one of the biggest names in Hollywood.While you can’t go inside everywhere, for obvious reasons, visitors can take a pull-up tour that can be booked through various companies to enjoy a close-up view of Tyler Perry Studios. There are ample places to take photos and unique military and entertainment facts to be seen.Even the military base in Atlanta has a unique draw, but so do the other military-focused attractions. From defending our country today to the history of Atlanta in the Civil War and the American Revolution, there is plenty to enjoy throughout the city.Read next: 10 Top Attractions in Dallas, Texas For Military & History Buffs