Chickamauga in Walker County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Start of the Atlanta Campaign

Historic Chickamauga Georgia

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

1. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

Inscription. Following the Federal victories at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge in November, 1863, the Confederate army withdrew to Dalton, Georgia. The Federal Army at Chattanooga conducted periodic patrols into Walker County to forage and for reconnaissance. These visits were conducted in accordance to regulations. Horses, mules, and food were requisitioned and all firearms confiscated. "The Yankees had a Provost Marshall's Office at Lee and Gordon's Mill," J. Frank Henderson stated. "They had it in the old Jim Gordon [should be Lee] house. It stood on the top of the hill about where the Shields' house is now. The citizens have to go down there ever so often and give an account of their conduct."

There was a continuing Federal presence at the mills. As General William T. Sherman made plans for the Atlanta Campaign in the spring of 1864, General James B. McPherson, commanding the Federal Army of the Tennessee, was assigned to Lee and Gordon's Mills. Sherman intended for McPherson to flank the Confederates at Dalton by going south through Snake Creek Gap to Resaca.

General Sherman later made this report: "Having made my orders at Nashville for the concentration of the Armies of the Cumberland, Ohio, and Tennessee at and near Chattanooga by May 5, according to the programme of Lieutenant-General Grant, I repaired to Chattanooga

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

2. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

A close-up view of the photograph of General Sherman that is displayed on the historical marker.

in person on the 29th of April, and remained there until May 6, by which date General Thomas had grouped his army at and about Ringgold, General Schofield his at and near Cleveland, and General McPherson at and near Gordon's Mills on the Chickamauga. May 6, all the armies moved forward, General Thomas on Tunnel Hill, a gravelly range of hills covering the mouth of the famous Buzzard Roost Pass through Rocky Face Ridge; General Schofield along the east of that range approaching Dalton from the north, and General McPherson aiming for Resaca, eighteen miles south of Dalton, through Snake Creek Gap and Sugar Valley.

"The enemy lay at Dalton, holding the Buzzard Roost Pass, the line of Mill Creek to the north, and his line of railway back toward Atlanta. My purpose was that General McPherson should reach the railway at Resaca, destroy it to Johnston's rear, and then take up a strong defensive position near the mouth of the gap, and to operate on the flank of the enemy as he retreated. General McPherson reached Resaca with little difficulty but did not break the road. As soon as I learned this I... moved the whole army to Resaca. From the Rocky Face Ridge the enemy had a full view of our movement and a shorter and better line to reach Resaca, so that when on the 13th May I reached Resaca the enemy had evacuated Dalton and occupied Resaca in force. I did not hesitate to attack...

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

3. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

A close-up view of the photograph of General McPherson that is displayed on the historical marker.

I gradually enveloped the enemy in Resaca, and pressed him so hard that he evacuated in the night of May 15 and retreated by the good roads south."

Erected by Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail marker series.

Location. 34° 53.007′ N, 85° 16.035′ W. Marker is in Chickamauga, Georgia, in Walker County. Marker can be reached from Red Belt Road south of Lee-Gordon Mill Circle. Touch for map. This historical marker is located on the grounds of the historic Lee-Gordon Mill, on the northern edge of the visitor's parking lot, along with two other panel, historical markers. Marker is in this post office area: Chickamauga GA 30707, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Joe Wheeler's Attack (here, next to this marker); Crittenden's corps at Lee and Gordon's Mills (here, next to this marker); Lee and Gordon's Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); 3rd Confederate Georgia Cavalry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wood's Division (about 300 feet away); 3rd Georgia Cavalry

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

4. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

View of the historical marker, situated to the right of a three panel, historical marker set.

(about 300 feet away); Crittenden's Headquarters Shell Monument (about 300 feet away); Lytle's Brigade (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chickamauga.

Categories. • War, US Civil •

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

5. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

View of a visitor to the Lee-Gordon Mill, parked in front of the panel of historical markers.

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

6. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

View of the panel of historical markers looking west along the driveway that leads to the gated entrance to the historic Lee-Gordon Mill.

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

7. Start of the Atlanta Campaign Marker

View of the panel of historical markers, looking east, across the visitor's parking area, towards the historic Lee-Gordon Mill.

Lee-Gordon Mill image. Click for full size.

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

8. Lee-Gordon Mill

A view of the Lee-Gordon Mill.

By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

9. Lee-Gordon Mill

View of the Lee-Gordon Mill on the bank of West Chickamauga Creek.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 13, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on August 13, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.