South Downtown in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Battle of Atlanta
Sherman´s grand objective in this campaign was the capture of Atlanta. The strategic importance of the Georgia capital as a military stronghold and depot of supplies was recognized by the Federal commander. On account of its central location, accessibility, and prominence, it seemed to hold the key to the situation and to offer particular attraction as a prize of war.
On July 22, 1864, McPherson´s army, having moved upon the Georgia Railroad, in the neighborhood of Decatur, was threatening Hoods communications, and it was necessary either to abandon Atlanta or to checkmate his movements. Accordingly Hood gave battle. Wheelers Calvary, with brilliant dash, supported the corps commanders, Hardee, Steward and Cheatham in this terrific engagement, known as the Battle of Atlanta, or the Battle of twenty-second of July. There was great loss of life on both sides: but the temporary advantage was with the Confederates who made a number of splendid captures.
To quote General Hood: "While the grand results desired was not accomplished the movement of McPherson upon the communications were entirely defeated and no further effort was made in that direction at any time." Major General James B. McPherson, on the Federal side, and Major General Wm. H.T. Walker, on the Confederate, were among the killed. It was a sanguinary struggle, but its close found Hood still master of the Confederate citadel.
Erected 1920 by Atlanta Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1853.
Location. 33° 44.966′ N, 84° 23.318′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in South Downtown. Marker can be reached from Washington Street SW near Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW, on the left when traveling south. Located on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta GA 30334, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Transfer of Command (here, next to this marker); Thomas E. Watson (a few steps from this marker); The Evacuation of Atlanta (a few steps from this marker); The Seige of Atlanta (a few steps from this marker); John Brown Gordon (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Emerson Brown (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 20, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.