Battle of Pickett's Mill
Paulding County, Paulding County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Battle of Pickett's Mill. After the successful defense at New Hope Church by Hood's Corps [Confed.], May 25, 1864, Johnston [Confed.] extended his right N.E. to keep pace with the Federal leftward shift to outflank him. Elements of the 4th, 14th and 23rd Corps under Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard [Union] with over 18,000 men passed this point seeking the extreme right of the Confederate army. The Federal forces attacked a point where the Army of Tennessee's line bent back to the south. The brigades of Hazen, Gibson and Scribner blundered into a deep ravine one-half mile east of here to attack the Confederates under Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne. The brigades were defeated one after another in the heavily-wooded ravine where fired upon from three directions. The Confederates were the clear victors of the five-hour battle. The result of the victory was a few days delay in Sherman's [Union] Atlanta Campaign. 110-27 GEORGIA HISTORIC MARKER 1983
Erected by Georgia Historical Commission
The Story
After the defense at New Hope Church in late May 1864, Confederate Gen. Johnston extended his right to counter Sherman's flanking moves. At Pickett's Mill, more than 18,000 Union troops under Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard sought the Confederate flank, but their brigades were funneled into a deep ravine and defeated in detail by Patrick Cleburne's men, who held the field after a fierce five-hour fight.
Why it matters
The Confederate victory here delayed Sherman's Atlanta Campaign and stands as a vivid example of how rugged ground and stout defense could turn back superior numbers.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Attractions
- Sweet Eloise14.5 mi away
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Related people
- · O.O. Howard
- · Patrick Cleburne
- · Joseph E. Johnston
Related events
- · Battle of Pickett's Mill
- · Atlanta Campaign
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Battle of Pickett's Mill
Paulding County, GA
On May 27, 1864, following the fighting at New Hope Church, Union Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard pushed over 18,000 men toward the Confederate right, hoping to find and turn its flank. Instead, three Federal brigades blundered into a deep, wooded ravine and were cut down one after another by Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne's Confederates firing from three directions, handing the South a clear victory in a five-hour battle.
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