Civil War Battles of Georgia
Georgia, a state steeped in history and Southern charm, played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. From its secession in 1861 to the devastating campaigns that scarred its landscape, the state endured some of the conflict’s most significant events. This article delves into the major battles that unfolded on Georgian soil, exploring their context, strategies, and lasting impact. Before examining the battles themselves, it’s crucial to understand Georgia’s position within the Confederacy and the war’s overall trajectory.
Georgia: A Confederate State
On January 19, 1861, Georgia declared its secession from the Union, briefly existing as the "Republic of Georgia" before joining the Confederate States of America on February 4th. While many Georgians initially hoped for a peaceful departure, the attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861, ignited the war. Governor Joseph E. Brown quickly called for volunteers, and by October, approximately 25,000 Georgians had enlisted in Confederate service, a number that would grow substantially throughout the war.
During the early years of the conflict, Georgia was relatively untouched by direct warfare. The state transitioned its economy from primarily cotton production to focus on food crops to support the war effort. Georgia’s extensive railroad network, comprising around 1,400 miles of track, became a vital asset for the Confederacy, facilitating the movement of troops and supplies. However, this crucial infrastructure would soon become a primary target for Union forces. By mid-1864, much of Georgia’s railway system lay in ruins or under Union control.
Over the course of the Civil War, an estimated 550 battles and skirmishes occurred within Georgia’s borders. The first major engagement in the state was the Battle of Chickamauga, a Confederate victory fought on September 18-20, 1863.
Key Battles in Georgia
The numerous battles that took place in Georgia shaped the course of the Civil War. These battles significantly impacted the soldiers, civilians, and the state’s economic infrastructure. From coastal fortifications to mountainous terrain, the Civil War Battles of Georgia encompassed diverse landscapes and tactical approaches.
Fort Pulaski (April 10-11, 1862): Located near Savannah, Fort Pulaski was a brick fortress considered impregnable. However, Union forces utilized rifled cannons to bombard the fort, demonstrating the effectiveness of new artillery technology and forcing a Confederate surrender. This Union victory effectively closed the port of Savannah to Confederate shipping.
Fort McAllister I (March 3, 1863): This was the first of two engagements at Fort McAllister, a Confederate earthwork defending the Ogeechee River. This initial naval bombardment by Union ironclads proved inconclusive, demonstrating the resilience of the Confederate defenses.
Davis’ Cross Roads (September 10-11, 1863): This relatively small engagement saw Confederate forces under General Nathan Bedford Forrest clash with Union troops. Although a Confederate victory, it was overshadowed by the impending Battle of Chickamauga.
Chickamauga (September 18-20, 1863): Fought in northwestern Georgia, the Battle of Chickamauga was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and the last major Confederate victory in the Western Theater. Confederate General Braxton Bragg engaged Union General William Rosecrans in a brutal struggle that resulted in staggering casualties: approximately 16,170 Union and 18,454 Confederate soldiers. Despite the Confederate victory, Rosecrans’ army retreated in relatively good order to Chattanooga, Tennessee, setting the stage for the Chattanooga Campaign. The Battle of Chickamauga stands as a testament to the ferocity and high cost of the war.
Ringgold Gap (November 27, 1863): Following the defeat at Chickamauga, Union forces retreated to Chattanooga, where they were besieged by Bragg’s Confederate army. As Union reinforcements approached, a rearguard action was fought at Ringgold Gap. Confederate General Patrick Cleburne successfully delayed the Union advance, allowing Bragg’s army to withdraw safely.
Dalton I (February 22-27, 1864): This was the first of several engagements around Dalton, Georgia. Union forces probed Confederate defenses but ultimately withdrew without a major engagement. This skirmish was a prelude to the larger Atlanta Campaign that would engulf the region later that year.
Rocky Face Ridge (May 7-13, 1864): As part of the Atlanta Campaign, Union General William T. Sherman sought to outflank Confederate forces entrenched at Rocky Face Ridge. The Union army eventually forced the Confederates to retreat towards Resaca.
Resaca (May 13-15, 1864): The Battle of Resaca was a significant engagement in the Atlanta Campaign. Sherman’s Union forces attacked Confederate positions, resulting in heavy fighting. Ultimately, the Confederates were forced to withdraw, continuing their retreat towards Atlanta.
Adairsville (May 17, 1864): Another engagement during Sherman’s advance towards Atlanta, the Battle of Adairsville involved skirmishing between Union and Confederate forces. The Confederates withdrew to a more defensible position near Cassville.
New Hope Church (May 25-26, 1864): The Battle of New Hope Church was a particularly brutal encounter characterized by heavy rain and dense forest. Union troops faced fierce Confederate resistance, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
Pickett’s Mill (May 27, 1864): This battle saw a Union attack against a strong Confederate position. The attack was poorly executed, resulting in a Union defeat with significant losses.
Dallas (May 26-June 1, 1864): This series of engagements was part of Sherman’s ongoing efforts to outflank Confederate forces. The fighting around Dallas was intense, with both sides digging in and engaging in almost constant skirmishing.
Marietta (June 9-July 3, 1864): The fighting around Marietta was a prolonged struggle for control of the area. Union forces gradually pushed back Confederate defenses, culminating in the capture of Marietta.
Kolb’s Farm (June 22, 1864): Confederate forces launched an attack against Union troops at Kolb’s Farm. The attack was repulsed with heavy Confederate casualties.
Kennesaw Mountain (June 27, 1864): Sherman launched a frontal assault against Confederate positions on Kennesaw Mountain. The attack was a costly failure, resulting in heavy Union losses. This was a significant Confederate victory during the Atlanta Campaign.
Peachtree Creek (July 20, 1864): After replacing General Joseph E. Johnston with the more aggressive General John Bell Hood, Confederate forces launched an attack against Union troops crossing Peachtree Creek. The attack was repulsed, but the Battle of Peachtree Creek demonstrated Hood’s willingness to engage in aggressive tactics.
Atlanta (July 22, 1864): The Battle of Atlanta was a major engagement in the Atlanta Campaign. Hood launched a surprise attack against Union forces east of Atlanta. The fighting was fierce, and Union General James B. McPherson was killed. Despite heavy casualties, the Union forces held their ground. Sherman ultimately captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864.
Ezra Church (July 28, 1864): Hood attempted another attack against Union forces west of Atlanta at Ezra Church. The attack was repulsed with heavy Confederate losses.
Utoy Creek (August 5-7, 1864): This series of skirmishes was part of Sherman’s efforts to cut off Confederate supply lines into Atlanta.
Dalton II (August 14-15, 1864): Confederate forces attempted to recapture Dalton but were unsuccessful.
Lovejoy’s Station (August 20, 1864): Union cavalry raided Confederate supply lines at Lovejoy’s Station.
Jonesborough (August 31-September 1, 1864): Sherman’s forces captured Jonesborough, effectively cutting off the last major supply line into Atlanta. This forced Hood to evacuate Atlanta, leading to its capture by Union forces.
Allatoona (October 5, 1864): Confederate forces attacked the Union-held supply depot at Allatoona. The Union garrison successfully defended the depot, preventing its capture.
Griswoldville (November 22, 1864): This battle pitted Georgia state militia against Union cavalry. The Union forces routed the inexperienced militia, inflicting heavy casualties.
Buck Head Creek (November 28, 1864): Union cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick clashed with Confederate cavalry under General Joseph Wheeler.
Waynesborough (December 4, 1864): Another cavalry engagement between Kilpatrick and Wheeler.
Fort McAllister II (December 13, 1864): As Sherman approached Savannah, Union forces attacked and captured Fort McAllister, opening a supply line to the Union fleet. This paved the way for the capture of Savannah.
Sherman’s March to the Sea and its Aftermath
Following the capture of Atlanta, General William T. Sherman embarked on his infamous "March to the Sea" in November 1864. Stripping his army of non-essentials, he ordered the burning of Atlanta and marched towards Savannah. Sherman’s army lived off the land, destroying plantations, cotton gins, mills, railroads, bridges, and telegraph lines. They seized or killed livestock, devastating Georgia’s economy and infrastructure. Thousands of enslaved people followed Sherman’s army, seeking freedom. Sherman’s troops entered Savannah on December 22, 1864, completing their destructive march. The march significantly damaged Georgia and the Confederacy, both economically and psychologically.
The Civil War took a heavy toll on Georgia. Over 18,000 Georgians lost their lives in battle, with countless others missing or wounded. Slavery was abolished in 1865, and Reconstruction began immediately. The state’s economy was in ruins, and poverty persisted well into the 20th century. Georgia was the last Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union on June 15, 1870.
The Civil War Battles of Georgia represent a crucial chapter in American history. These battles, along with Sherman’s March to the Sea, left an indelible mark on the state’s landscape, economy, and people.
