The Story
The Battle of Atlanta was fought July 22, 1864, just southeast of the city, when Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood launched a surprise attack against the left flank of William T. Sherman's armies. The Union line held; Confederate casualties of roughly 5,500 far exceeded the Union's approximately 3,700, though Union Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was killed, the second-highest-ranking U.S. officer to die in the war. Atlanta itself did not fall until September 2, 1864, but the campaign's success lifted Northern morale and helped secure Abraham Lincoln's reelection.
About this site
Atlanta is a battlefield in DeKalb County, Georgia. It is one of 143 historic sites cataloged in DeKalb County on Georgia Roam.
The site sits at 33.7503, -84.3426. The nearest cataloged historic site is Gresham's Division (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include McPherson's Last Ride, Death of McPherson, and Historic Ground--1864.
This record is drawn from the National Park Service. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
History
The Battle of Atlanta was fought July 22, 1864, just southeast of the city, when Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood launched a surprise attack against the left flank of William T. Sherman's armies. The Union line held; Confederate casualties of roughly 5,500 far exceeded the Union's approximately 3,700, though Union Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was killed, the second-highest-ranking U.S. officer to die in the war. Atlanta itself did not fall until September 2, 1864, but the campaign's success lifted Northern morale and helped secure Abraham Lincoln's reelection.
Sources: en.wikipedia.orgbritannica.comtodayingeorgiahistory.org
Georgia