The Civil War in Georgia
Civil War had raged for three years as far north as Pennsylvania, into western territories and Midwestern states, and throughout the South. All were weary, longing for a quick end to conflict.
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Many looked to their colors to inspire them as they charged the enemy. Their flags, showing the bullet and shot holes of hard service, carried reminders of past victories to infuse the spirit.
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by 1864, federal troops had divided the Eastern and Western Confederate states. General William Sherman directed his armies to occupy Atlanta, the last remaining hub of Confederate transportation, industry, and communication.
In May, with nearly twice as many troops as they Confederate armies, Sherman launched a campaign southward from Chattanooga. Clashes ensued between Sherman’s forces in Gen. Joseph Johnson’s Confederate lines.
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The summer of 1864 Sault clashes at Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and Jonesboro, which led to the surrender of Atlanta in September and, ultimately, the surrender of Savannah by Christmas.
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the campaign for Atlanta,
-May to September 1864-
Battles
- Resaca
1864, May 13 – 15 - New Hope Church
1864, May 25 - 26 - Dallas
1864, May 26 - June 1 - Kolb’s Farm
1864, June 22 - Kennesaw Mountain
1864, June 27 - Peachtree Creek
1864 July 20 - Atlanta
1864, July 22 - Ezra Church
1864, July 28 - Jonesboro
1864, August 31 - surrender of Atlanta
1864, September 2
(Lower center)
Sherman’s troops took many losses, but divided forces and attacked Confederate lines from the front and rear. The Confederates were pushed across the Chattahoochee into lines of defensive trenches closer to Atlanta.
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.