Near Marietta in Cobb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Embattled Earthworks

— Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park —

September 27, 2023

1. Embattled Earthworks Marker

Inscription. These shallow ditches were once formidable earthen and log defenses. Confederate soldiers also felled trees and installed other barriers in front of the trenches to slow Union attackers.

The 3rd & 5th Consolidated Missouri Regiment, CSA, built and defended the earthworks here on Pigeon Hill. On June 27, the 6th Missouri Regiment, USA, took part in the Union assault on Pigeon Hill. Ironically, Confederate Missourians battled Union Missourians as Federal forces fought uphill to within 25 yards of these earthworks and took cover behind the boulders just ahead.

By the time they retreated from this hill, 154 Federals of Brig. Gen. Giles Smith's brigade lay dead, 10 of those from Missouri; the Confederate Missourians suffered 9 killed and 27 wounded.

(caption)
"Confederate Trenchlines on Pigeon Hill" were photographed after the battle by George N. Barnard. Note the same large rock that remains today. The photograph's shell-shattered trees are evidence of the battle's intensity.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1864.

Location. 33° 57.867′ N, 84° 35.5′ W. Marker is near Marietta, Georgia

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, in Cobb County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Burnt Hickory Road NW and Old Mountain Road NW, on the right when traveling west. Marker is a wayside exhibit on the Pigeon Hill Trail. The marker is 800 feet north of the trailhead at Burnt Hickory Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1520 Burnt Hickory Rd NW, Marietta GA 30064, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kennesaw Spur (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Assault on Pigeon Hill (about 700 feet away); Run, Johnny, Run! (about 700 feet away); Undercooks, Nurses, and Freedom (about 700 feet away); Kennesaw Battlefield (about 800 feet away); US Regulars Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Logan’s 15th A.C. Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gen. J. E. Johnston’s Headquarters (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marietta.

Also see . . .
1. Cockrell's Orphan Brigade.

This was a Confederate defensive position occupied by Brigadier General Francis Cockrell’s ‘Orphan’ Brigade. A veteran collection of seven regiments, the 1st MO Brigade had fought since the beginning of the war at battles like Corinth and Vicksburg. They were responsible for holding the position on these rocky slopes against the furious Union assaults. On the offense was Brigadier General Giles Smiths’ brigade. The
September 27, 2023

2. Embattled Earthworks Marker
terrain and defensive works of the Confederates proved to be extremely effective in holding them off.

(Submitted on April 14, 2024.)

2. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. National Park Service (Submitted on April 15, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2024. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 14, 2024. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.