We will be visiting Atlanta for a few days and I am interested in Civil War History. I would like recommendations on what would be of interest in the Atlanta area. 20 mile radius.

In downtown Atlanta, right nex to the Atlanta Zoo, is Cycloroma. It's the largest mural in the US (maybe world, not sure). Anyway, it is in a circle and you sit in seats while the mural spins around you. It's a Civil War scene. There is narration and, of course, sound effects. This would probably be the best place to get started on a Civil War trek in Atlanta, as they have much information. Hope this helps!

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a few miles NW of Atlanta - learn about the Confederate Army's last stand trying to stop Grant's march on Atlanta. While there is an easy walk to a reconstructed defensive emplacement, with explanatory signs and guides to answer questions, it is also possible to continue along the ridge to view the remains of genuine emplacements.

Mandatory book for those interested in visiting US Civil War sites: Alice Cromie's "Tour Guide to the Civil War". In there you'll find the locations of markers and other landmarks of actual sites of the battle fields. The siege of Atlanta was a multi-battle campaign, and this book will help you find the location of several of these battles.

Don't forget the Atlanta History Center and Stone Mountain Park. I second Kennesaw as very worthwhile.

Good feedback, Jim. Note, though, that no battles were fought at Stone Mountain park. There is, however, a huge carving on the side of the mountain (largest chunk of exposed granite in the world, per the PR folks) that shows Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Lee, etc. on horseback. Sort of like Mount Rushmore. Cyclorama is the place to start. Madison, Georgia is more than 20 miles away, but it's a town not burned by Union troops following fall of Atlanta. Lots of antebellum homes.