The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain stands as a pivotal engagement during the Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War. General William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union forces besieged General Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate army entrenched within formidable fortifications atop Kennesaw Mountain. The Confederate defenders, supported by artillery from nearby Marietta, fought tenaciously to hold their position while Sherman’s troops relentlessly assaulted the enemy lines. This fierce contest became a bloody stalemate, claiming numerous casualties on both sides and further delaying Sherman’s advance towards Atlanta.
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain: A Tactical Masterpiece
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a decisive engagement in the American Civil War, fought between Union and Confederate forces from June 18 to July 2, 1864. The battle was a major victory for the Union, and it marked a turning point in the Atlanta Campaign.
Key Terrain
Kennesaw Mountain is a strategic hilltop located about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. The mountain rises to a height of 1,808 feet and offers a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston recognized the importance of Kennesaw Mountain and established a strong defensive position on the summit.
Union Plan
Union General William T. Sherman’s plan was to attack the Confederate forces at Kennesaw Mountain from three directions:
- Left Flank: General James B. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee would attack from the east.
- Center: General George H. Thomas’s Army of the Cumberland would attack from the south.
- Right Flank: General John Schofield’s Army of the Ohio would attack from the west.
Confederate Defenses
Johnston’s Confederate forces were well-entrenched on the slopes of Kennesaw Mountain. They had constructed a series of earthworks and palisades, and they had placed artillery on the summit.
The Battle
The battle began on June 18, 1864, with McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee attacking from the east. McPherson’s forces made some initial gains, but they were eventually stopped by Confederate artillery fire. On June 27, Thomas’s Army of the Cumberland attacked from the south, but they too were repulsed by Confederate fire.
After the failed attacks on June 18 and 27, Sherman decided to change his tactics. He ordered his forces to dig trenches and build fortifications. For the next two weeks, the Union and Confederate armies engaged in a stalemate, with neither side able to gain an advantage.
On July 2, Sherman launched a final assault on Kennesaw Mountain. This time, he ordered his forces to attack from all three directions simultaneously. The Confederate forces were overwhelmed by the Union’s weight of numbers, and they were forced to retreat.
Casualties
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was one of the bloodiest battles of the Atlanta Campaign. The Union lost 2,924 men killed, wounded, or missing, while the Confederates lost 3,063.
Aftermath
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a major victory for the Union. It marked a turning point in the Atlanta Campaign, and it forced the Confederate forces to abandon their defensive positions around Atlanta. The Union forces continued to advance on Atlanta, and they eventually captured the city on September 2, 1864.
Question 1:
What is the significance of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain?
Answer:
Subject: Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
Predicate: Significant in the Atlanta Campaign
Object: Part of Union General Sherman’s advance on Atlanta
Question 2:
Who were the opposing forces in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain?
Answer:
Subject: Opposing forces
Predicate: Union Army vs. Confederate Army
Object: Led by Generals Sherman and Johnston, respectively
Question 3:
How long did the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain last?
Answer:
Subject: Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
Predicate: Lasted 11 days
Object: June 18-29, 1864
Well, there you have it! The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a tough one, but the Union eventually got the job done. Thanks for sticking with me through this little history lesson. If you’re interested in learning more about the Civil War or just want to hang out and chat, feel free to drop by again. I’ll be here, always eager to share my love of history with anyone who’ll listen. Take care, and see you soon!