The War Between The States I've always loved the book and movie, "Gone With The Wind". I've read the book over and over and probably worn out a couple of copies of the movie. I also live in what used to be called Cross Plains. About 40 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. About 80 miles above Atlanta. Resaca and Kennesaw are a few miles down the road. And the railroad tracks are still active through town. Why am I telling you this? Mainly because I recently found out that my grandfather and great-uncle fought in the Civil War. They were at Chattanooga and Tunnell Hill. Their unit fought their battles around Dalton (Cross Plains) and down to Resaca and Kennesaw and on to Atlanta. And on July 10, 1864, they were captured outside of Atlanta at a small tributary of the Chattahoochee River-- Nickajack Creek. They eventually wound up at Camp Douglas in Illinois. So very different there than here or their home county of Gilmer. There, they were held till the end of the war. My father was born in 1868 in Gilmer County, Georgia. My grandfather survived the prison camp to return home, marry and conceive a son. John Starks only lived about 9 years after the end of the War. Did the effects of the camp lead to his death? So far, we haven't found that answer. But I suddenly realize that the War Between the States was not long ago. It was only yesterday. In my case, just 2 generations back. My ancestors fought for whatever reason. I don't know if it was slavery, state's rights or just because they felt it was their duty to their home and family. I will still read Gone With The Wind and watch the movie. But, I will think of those ancestors when I do. John P. Starks, Civil War Records Camp Douglas, Ill The Georgia State Line Troups Civil War Links of Interest Resaca Confederate Cemetery A Confederate Soldier's Story Civil War Rosters By State Georgia Military Units The Closet Rebel Home bhibbs@alltel.net