Kirkwood in Atlanta in DeKalb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Battle of Atlanta Began Here

Photographed By Felch Dumas, June 19, 2008

1. Battle of Atlanta Began Here Marker

Inscription. July 22, 1864. Sweeny's 2nd. div., Dodge's 16th A.C. (US), having been held in reserve N. of the Ga. R.R. (Candler Park), was ordered to support the left wing of Blair's 17th Corps in East Atlanta. Marching via Clay Rd., Sweeny's column halted here at noon to await further orders. Mersy's brigade led the advance, followed by Rice's.

Thus, by mere accident, the two brigades were posted where they intercepted the surprise attack by Walker's and Bate's divs. (Hardee's A.C.) (CS), aimed at the rear of Blair's 17th A.C. intrenched along Flat Shoals Rd., 1 mile W. of this point, thereby precipitating the battle.

Erected 1983 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 044-46.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 22, 1915.

Location. 33° 44.864′ N, 84° 19.828′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in DeKalb County. It is in Kirkwood. Marker is at the intersection of Clay Street SE and Memorial Drive SE (Georgia Route 154), on the right when traveling south on Clay Street SE. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlanta GA 30317, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. An Unexpected Clash (about 500 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Mersy’s Brigade (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sweeny's March South (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wheeler Delays Blair (approx. 0.4 miles away); McPherson's Last Ride (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bate's Div. at Terry's Mill Pond (approx. 0.6 miles away); Death of General Walker (approx. 0.6 miles away); Gresham's Division (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Also see . . . Battle of Atlanta. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on June 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,457 times since then and 100 times this year. Last updated on July 6, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photo 1. submitted on June 20, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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