Dalton in Whitfield County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

African-American Soldiers in Combat

Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011

1. African-American Soldiers in Combat Marker

Inscription. Near Dalton on August 15, 1864, during the Civil War, the 14th United States Colored Troops (USCT), whose enlisted men were mostly former slaves, helped drive off a Confederate cavalry attack on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, U.S. General William T. Sherman's main supply line during the Atlanta Campaign. Later, on October 13, 1864, the 44th USCT was in a fort protecting the railroad through Dalton when the garrison commander surrendered to Confederate General John B. Hood. In accordance with Confederate policy, many of the 600 captured black troops were returned to slavery. Black troops rarely saw combat in Georgia, though nearly 200,000 African Americans served in the U.S. armed forces during the war.

Erected 2010 by Georgia Historical Society, Georgia Battlefields Association, and Georgia Department of Economic Development. (Marker Number 155-3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1852.

Location. 34° 46.318′ N, 84° 57.83′ W. Marker is in Dalton, Georgia, in Whitfield County. It is on Fort Hill Circle 0.1 miles east of North Spencer Street

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, on the left when traveling east. The marker is in just off the traffic circle in front of the Fort Hill School. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dalton GA 30721, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpet Technology (approx. 0.2 miles away); Western and Atlantic Railroad Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Dalton! (approx. ¼ mile away); Our Textile Legacy (approx. ¼ mile away); The Mechanization of the Bedspread Industry (approx. ¼ mile away); Tristram Dalton (approx. 0.3 miles away); William C. Martin House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dalton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Joseph E. Johnston Memorial (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . 44th USCT. Information on the 44th U.S. Colored Troops (Submitted on July 17, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011

2. African-American Soldiers in Combat Marker

Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011

3. African-American Soldiers in Combat Marker

Looking toward the top of the hill at Fort Hill School, built on the site of the Civil War fort.

Photographed by David Seibert, July 14, 2011

4. African-American Soldiers in Combat Marker

Looking west at the city of Dalton and Rocky Face Ridge in the distance, a major landmark in the Atlanta Campaign.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, November 5, 2025

5. African-American Soldiers in Combat Marker

The marker has been moved a bit putting it closer to the school than previously.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,876 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 16, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 5. submitted on November 5, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.