HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Campaign for Atlanta Began Here

Catoosa County, Catoosa County, Georgia

Marker Inscription

Campaign for Atlanta Began Here. The 4th A.C., marching from Cleveland, Tenn. reached Catoosa Springs May 4, 1864. The 23d A.C., via Cleveland & Red Clay, camped in this vicinity. Both corps moved S. from these positions toward Dalton, May 7. The 4th A.C. went by direct rd. to Tunnel Hill; the 23d to Crow Valley, E. of Rocky Face. The elevated ground N. is the site of the Dr. Lee house. Observing the initial troop movements from the yard of the Lee house, were officers of the Federal high command: Sherman, Thomas, Schofield, Howard, Newton, Stanley, & Cox. 023-4 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1954

Erected by Georgia Historical Commission

The Story

In early May 1864, Union corps marching from Cleveland, Tennessee, converged near Catoosa Springs to open Sherman's campaign against Atlanta, moving south toward Dalton on May 7. From the yard of the nearby Dr. Lee house, the Federal high command—Sherman, Thomas, Schofield, and others—watched the first troop movements of the drive. The armies pressed on toward Tunnel Hill and Rocky Face Ridge.

Why it matters

This quiet ground marks the opening of the Atlanta Campaign, the months-long offensive that captured the city and helped secure Lincoln's reelection and the Union cause.

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Related people

  • · William T. Sherman
  • · George Thomas
  • · John Schofield
  • · Oliver Howard

Related events

  • · Atlanta Campaign

Themes & tags

Civil WarLandmark

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