Community Corner
Hiking Through History at Sweetwater Creek
The state park's hikes to the ruins of the New Manchester textile mill offer unique local insight into the Civil War, as well as local Native American history.
Looking for a way to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War? Maybe you're interested in local Native American history?
Or perhaps you're just looking to support your local state park?
The New Manchester History Hike is an easy to moderate mile-long hike that leads to the five-story ruins of the New Manchester textile mill, destroyed during the Civil War. The ruins are all that is left of New Manchester, a mill town that existed in the area.
Find out what's happening in West Cobbwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The town was a key Union target because New Manchester Manufacturing Company produced clothing with cotton osnaburg—a coarse cloth—that was sold to the Confederate Army. In 1864, the Union army captured the town and burned the mill.
's tour also focuses on the general history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley, including a look at Native American artifacts found on the site.
The hike is $3 or $4 plus $5 parking. It takes place on Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. through Sept. 24. For reservations or more information, call 770-732-5871.