Allatoona in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Allatoona Mountain Range
The Allatoona Mountain range is the southernmost spur of the Appalachian Mountains. Years before the war, Lieutenant William T. Sherman spent time surveying this area for the U.S. Army; therefore, he understood the formidable military defense these mountains provided. In May of 1864 while the Union Army advanced towards Atlanta, General Sherman chose not to attack the Confederates in defensive positions here.
"I knew the strength of Allatoona Pass, having ridden through it twenty years ago, and knew it would reduce our strength … I determined not to attempt it but to pass the range by other more devious and difficult natural roads that would admit of more equal terms with the enemy shall he attempt to meet us."
Major General William T. Sherman's Official Report
The scenery is wild and beautiful, hill, valley and ravine intersecting. The view from the hill extends for a distance of twenty-five miles … half a mile away, Allatoona Creek sparkling in the sun, winds its way across the deep valley. "A History of the 4th Regiment of Minnesota Infantry Volunteers During the Great Rebellion, 1861-1865"
When the Confederates withdrew from this area and retreated south, Sherman ordered that Allatoona Pass be fortified to protect the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which would supply his army as it continued southward towards Atlanta. Design by his Chief of Engineers, Orlando M. Poe, the fortifications consisted of large earth forts on either side of the railroad cut and an elaborate set of connecting trenches and redoubts.
Erected by Georgia State Parks & Historical Sites.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
Location. 34° 6.939′ N, 84° 42.851′ W. Marker is in Allatoona, Georgia, in Bartow County. Marker can be reached from Old Alltatoona Road SE, 0.4 miles north of Allatoona Landing Road SE, on the right when traveling north. Located on the Battle of Allatoona Park Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 632 Old Allatoona Road SE, Cartersville GA 30121, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Military Service Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Eastern Redoubt (about 400 feet away); 4th Minnesota Regimental Headquarters (about 400 feet away); Minnesota (about 400 feet away); Wisconsin (about 400 feet away); Illinois (about 500 feet away); Iowa (about 500 feet away); Texas (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Allatoona.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 559 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 18, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.