Atlanta's Cyclorama is the vivid retelling of the battle of Atlanta in an unusual art form whose popularity lasted less than 20 years. Commissioned by General John "Blackjack" Logan to further his political aspirations, the painting is now displayed in Grant Park, just west of the site of the battle.

The museum in Grant Park (named for a New England-born Confederate colonel, not the U.S. president) houses a huge circular painting depicting the 1864 Battle of Atlanta, in which 90% of the city was destroyed. A team of expert European panorama artists completed the painting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1887; it was donated to the city of Atlanta in 1897. The museum, which also houses The Texas, a Civil War locomotive, has one of the best Civil War bookstores anywhere. To reach the Cyclorama by car, take I-20 east to Exit 59A, turn right onto Boulevard, and then follow signs to the Cyclorama. The museum shares a parking lot and entrance walkway with Zoo Atlanta.

COST: $6. OPEN: June-early Sept., daily 9:30-5:30; early Sept.-May, daily 9:30-4:30.