South Downtown in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Evacuation of Atlanta
On July 30, 1864, General Hood, retaining Stewart´s corps in Atlanta, sent Hardee and Lee to Jonesboro to dispossess the enemy whose seizure of the railway at this point was ominous of the approaching end, since it threatened communication on the South. The fate of Atlanta depended upon this final phase of the campaign. In the event of failure, Lee was ordered to return in the direction of Atlanta, so as to cover the city´s evacuation.
Though a heavy loss was inflicted upon the federals at Jonesboro, the attack failed. Out of the two Corps engaged in this action, on the Confederate side, there were only 1,400 killed and wounded, but the loss of Jonesboro necessitated the evacuation of Atlanta, and with the fall of the Confederate Citadel fell the Confederacy itself. Its effect upon the political situation at the North was pronounced. Eight months later came Greensboro and Appomattox. The total losses sustained in the engagements around Atlanta were estimated by Hood at 5,247 men.
On September 2, 1864 General Sherman took possession and having issued his merciless order to the inhabitants. Within a few days thereafter, he reduced the city to ashes.
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 1854.
Location. 33° 44.957′ N, 84° 23.324′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in South Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Washington Street SW and 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. The Seige of Atlanta (here, next to this marker); Thomas E. Watson (a few steps from this marker); Transfer of Command (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Atlanta (a few steps from this marker); Joseph Emerson Brown (within shouting distance of 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). 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 400 times since then and 11 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.