The 1864 Civil War battle at Tanyard Creek was a part of the larger Battle of Peachtree Creek, which in turn was a part of Union General Sherman's siege of Atlanta.  I'm told that 4,700 men died in one day of fighting at Tanyard Creek.

Today, Tanyard Creek enjoys the dubious honor of being one of the most polluted creeks in Georgia, the victim of sewer system overflows and urban runoff. 

The surrounding park is still beautiful, though.