HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Bate's Division

Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia

Marker Inscription

Bate's Division. The outer Atlanta defense line crossed Clear Cr. a short distance S. W. of Walker's (or Jones') Mill (just below the present R.R. bridge). July 20, 1864, the right of Bate's division (rt. of Hardee's corp) [Confederate] rested on Clear Creek. From this sector Bate's div. moved N.W. to attack Newton's 4th A.C. div. posted on the ridge just above Collier Rd. Bate led off in the concerted attack by Hardee's & Stewart's corps (by divisions obliquely in echelon) - his route through the forest wilderness just west of Clear Creek. In line E. of the creek was Hood's old corps (under Gen. B. F. Cheatham) - not actively engaged in the Battle of Peachtree Creek. 060-72 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1956

Erected by Georgia Historical Commission

The Story

On July 20, 1864, at the Battle of Peachtree Creek, the right of Bate's division of Hardee's corps rested here on Clear Creek before joining the Confederate assault. Moving northwest through wooded ground, Bate led off the attack against Newton's Union division posted on the ridge above Collier Road. The stroke was part of Hood's aggressive first battle after taking command of the Army of Tennessee, an attempt to smash the Federals before they could close on Atlanta.

Why it matters

Peachtree Creek marked the Confederacy's shift from defense to costly offensive around Atlanta, a gamble that failed to halt Sherman's advance.

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Related people

  • · William B. Bate
  • · William J. Hardee
  • · John C. Newton
  • · Benjamin F. Cheatham

Related events

  • · Battle of Peachtree Creek

Themes & tags

Civil WarLandmark

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Battlefield of Peachtree Creek

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