A Directional Comment

In the course of “Revisiting Vinings,” and talking with those who remember something of its history and place, leads me to a conclusion that that there are some inconsistencies or omissions which bear closer scrutiny of the historical record of Vinings.

In an attempt to match stated historics to the record, several weeks of intensive research (included the Georgia Room at the Marietta Library, Atlanta History Center, government files, civil war records, map references, and personal site visitations) – a further (and somewhat frustrating) position is made:

(a) Current and often repeated historical profile of Vinings is, at best, incomplete in depth and identity.

(b) Origins and accuracy of Vinings history is sometime mythologically elusive.

The original thought of sharing a few pictures and memoirs of Vinings has now turned into some serious stuff. Not the least of which, is reviewing the civil war precedents of Sherman burning his way through Vinings in “Gone With the Wind” style. Wasn’t necessarily the case.

Vinings is referenced no less that 125 times between July and November 1864 as an important supply point and field hospital slightly above the quoted marketing vernacular. The black community through the years until the commercial development of Vining’s Mountain (hate calling it Mt. Wilkerson), was instrumental in Vinings history. Lastly mentioned, the origin of name is on the verge of being traceable.

Some of this coming will be confirming. Some controversial. In either case, some brochure material may have to be rewritten a bit. Hopefully, it may be a contribution to a richer appreciation and reverence to the grounds we know as Vinings.