Georgia Natural Wonder #134 - Lost Mountain - Acworth. 1,271

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Georgia Natural Wonder #134 - Lost Mountain - Acworth

We have been traveling a Mountain to Classic South theme in our Forum for a while now. I wanted to do ten each. We have done seven mountains and six Classic South. So we have seven spots left. Now we got stuck here in Cobb County with my naming Kennesaw Mountain as GNW #133. I found some old word documents where I covered the day by day Civil War March through Cobb County as I piggybacked on Bad Leroy's daily 150 years ago today. I realized Cobb County was too big to just tangent on Kennesaw Mountain. Hell, there are all these cities in Cobb County:

Acworth - Austell - Kennesaw - Marietta - Powder Springs - Smyrna

There are these Census-designated places

Fair Oaks - Mableton - Vinings

There are several Mountains in Cobb County. And with all the Civil War history, I am going stick with Cobb County to finish this Mountains to Classic South theme.

Sweat Mountain: In the extreme northeast portion, runs along the border with Cherokee County, and is the metro area's major antenna farm.

Blackjack Mountain: a low ridge between central and east Cobb

Kennesaw Mountain: the highest point in the county and in the entire suburban area of metro Atlanta, located in the north-northwest between Kennesaw and Marietta

Little Kennesaw Mountain: an offshoot of Kennesaw

Lost Mountain: in western Cobb

Pine Mountain: west-northwest of Kennesaw Mountain, between Kennesaw and Due West

Brushy Mountain: near Kennesaw Mountain, just southeast of Barrett Parkway at Cobb Parkway

Vinings Mountain or Mount Wilkinson: overlooks the town of Vinings

We continue our Cobb County Mountains of the Classic South with Lost Mountain. It is 1,520 feet high and is just north of Dallas Highway 120 just east of the Cobb County line with Paulding County. During the Civil War, Lost Mountain served as the southwesterly anchor of a ten-mile Confederate defensive line against Union troops marching toward Atlanta preceding the battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Confederate earthworks remain on the property at the top.


Now I took a Sunday drive out to Lost Mountain recently.

The mountain itself is called Lost Mountain because of a story handed down from the Cherokee nation. The story has several versions but they all have a similar theme, a chief has a daughter that gets lost in the woods around the mountain leading him to grieve the rest of his life and he names the hill "Lost Mountain" for that is the place she was last seen.


It is mostly developed and landscaped at pinnacle but there is some undeveloped area around the water tower. 

Long years ago before the pioneers axe had felled the native forests which clothed the hills of North Georgia and his industry had substituted the homely plants of agriculture for the wild and profuse flora of Nature.


There is one neighborhood that runs up the south side of the mountain across from Lost Mountain Park.

When the Cherokee rose clambered over honeysuckle, and the humming bird, “like the flitting fragment of rainbow,’ darted from flower to flower, sipping sweets from every blossom.


You can only get up mountain so far in this front neighborhood.

When that queen of prima donna, the southern mocking-bird, led the orchestra of the tree-tops in matin and vesper.


Great vistas coming back down to Highway 120.

Then through that paradise, for truly it was one, the quiet peacefulness of which had never been broken,(save by the band of DeSoto on his weird, romantic and melancholy search for gold,) a simple and peaceful people wandered.


Castles in the sky.

Their hearts charmed into harmony with the poetry of the world around them, listening to the voice of the Great Spirit in the sound of the breeze whispering among the pine, or in the roar of the Etowah and the Amicolola. awed by the Tallulah, the terrible; inspired by Toccoa, the beautiful; cheered by Euharlee, the rippling water, they were a people without the arts of civilization, yet, not savage.


At top there is this old water and radio facility.

No belt adorned with bloody scalps was worn by the Cherokee brave; seldom was the war shout heard in the land, and never, except when the Creeks invaded their hunting grounds.


Great view back north west.

The tomahawk, with them was the only weapon of the chase, and an implement in their rude manufacture.


Putting a sales job this one house coming back down.

Mining the “yellow earth” at Dahlonega, raising their little crops of maize on the banks of the Sweetwater, playing national games of ball at Coosawattee, and dancing on the green at Buffalo Fish, they were children forest; rude indeed, but taught by the nature of their environment, they displayed many of the traits of civilized men.


Look at this almost 360 degree view.

Near where the Nickajack mingles in its waters with the Chattahoochee, lived the chief from whom the stream takes its name.


Only 1.3 million folks.

Around him his tribe lived in loyal obedience to his rule. At his wigwam a stranger from the settlement of Kennesaw, from Frogtown and from amongst the Cohutta, was welcome.


1.3 million dollar view.

Many young braves made pilgrimage to his wigwam to listen to his legendary lore, and to enjoy his hospitality; for was he not the father of Oolalee, the fairest maiden of the nation?


Vacant lots up here, build your dream house atop GNW #134.

Where was the young brave in all the land, who was not inspired to a display of unusual prowess in the games when she looked on? Beads and armlets, moccasins made of fawn skin and ornamented with garnets and shells, were presents from many suitors.


Tricky construction project.

Upon all except one, old Nickajack poured the benediction of his good will. This was Sawnee, the son of a chief who lived towards the north.



A way back in the misty days of tradition, his ancestor had wrought some injury upon the ancestors of Nickajack, and he could not bear now to think that Oolalee should be borne away to the hated tribe.



But the maiden cared nothing for the favorites of her father. The comings of Sawnee, as he passed through her father’s tribe, on his trips to the Spanish trading posts of the South, were the measures of her existence.


Coming back down radio antenna spoils these shots.

And when the time of his expected coming drew near, every night trysting place, awaiting him; and when he returned he always brought many gifts to Oolalee.


Struck up a conversation these two fellas. Told them I was looking for boulders like atop Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw.

According to Indian Custom, Oolalee’s father had betrothed her to a young chief of his own tribe, and in October the wedding was to be celebrated according to tribal custom.


They let me walk up the driveway to see the rock was just below the surface.

At last the day before Chicokee was to receive his bride had drawn to a close. For days past Oolalee had expected Sawnee and every night had seen her at the trysting place.


Plenty of boulders gathered up for landscaping the back yard.

Tonight she went out from the wigwam, and as old Nickajack saw her wander down the stream, his heard drew sad (for the red man has a heart,) in thinking that she was soon to go away; for tradition says that she was the idol of the old chiefs heart.


Panoramic giant landscaping project.

When his pipe he lay down to dream of the time when he went to the land of the “Blue Mountains” for her mother. And Oolalee, well, when morning came, she was nowhere to be found.


Confederate trenches.

The braves and the squaws of the tribe had gathered to witness the nuptials and share the feast and the games. Now they shared the search for the bride.


Main houses top cul de sac.

Trace was found, and Oolalee and Sawnee (for he had come) were followed on by the old beaver dam, and on by the rock mound. And up to the mountain which rises to the northwest. Here by the little spring which bubbles up near its summit, an armlet was found, which had been a gift to Oolalee from her father. Beyond, no trace could be seen, and sadly they wandered back.


The top house looking south to Atlanta here.

In after years the story says that old Nickajack used to sit by the door of his wigwam, and, looking away to the northwest would murmur, in his native tongue that syllable “Lost!” His tribesmen, hearing his constant murmur of “Lost,”


About 20 lots still waiting for homes to be built.

“Lost,” when he looked toward the mountain, called it “Lost Mountain.” The deer no longer lead their fawns to drink from pellucid streams uncontaminated by the filth of gullied hillsides; the shout of huntsman no longer echoes in the “forest primeval” is gone.


Forest interrupted.

The Sweetwater glides through the farms of the white man; the mocking bird sings upon the bough of the apple tree, and the humming bird dips his beak into the petals of the lily.



No Oolalee listens to the rippling Nickajack, or any brave listens to Toccoa and Tallulah, for the red man is gone from his fatherland. Comfortable farm cottages dot the country round, and in October broad acres of snowy clothe the fields.


Little waterfall found toward bottom.

Many have been the times when youth and maiden have wandered to the little spring where the last trace of Oolalee was found, and there plighted their troth.



Armies have encamped there, and lonely pickets on the mountain side have looked away to the Allatoona Heights, to the north, and thought of her whom they left behind in Tennessee or Kentucky.


No fighting these trenches, just march around mountain instead.

But think ye that any who have not plighted troth or dreamed over again the dream of first love, have ever had a purer love than was in the heart of Oolalee?


Oolalee armlet found here?

Or have any whoever gazed upon it, had a tender sorrow than Nickajack?


Mountain from Lost Mountain Park.

Not all the flowers of affection blow in the conservatories of the cultured and the rich but many a flower of tender and true love ” had blushed unseen” in the solitude of the forest.


Mountain from neighboring development.

The story was told a different way with different characters from a Marietta paper. It seems the Chiefs name was Salagoa and the young princess was little Willeo. The young brave was from the Creek tribe and Sawnee was not mentioned. Willeo fled with the young Creek brave. The young Creek was captured and promptly dispatched.



Salagoa himself gave chase after Little Willeo and the other tribesmen pursued. After the long chase was over both the Chief Salagoa and Willeo were found dead under an oak tree, From that point on Lost Mountain was known because the two died on the mountain.



Another website in North Fulton claims that Willeo was a chief. George White  documents the Willeo creek in 1849 as Wylleo. Nickajack had creeks and a mountain in Cobb County named for him. Kennesaw Mountain was named for an Indian chief that was shot by a white hunter. Sawnee is also a mountain in Forsyth county and the name of several business.



Suffice it to say that as legends are passed from generation to generation they get lost in translation and at Lost Mountain.


Look at this vista of Allatoona Mountains (Red Top, etc.)

Snaky - Marietta Journal Article

For four years the track of a huge snake has been seen around the house of Mr. Porter Griggs at Lost Mountain. One day last week his snakeship boldly attacked the fowls in the yard. Mr. Griggs shot him with his gun, his daughter at him with a pistol, and Mrs. Griggs pitchforked him to the ground. The snake fought bravely, and yielded only when the combined force arrayed against him, overpowered and slaughtered him. He was a rattlesnake measured four foot in length, had eleven rattles, teeth 1 inch long and his head 3 inches across the eyes. He is done eating chickens. In three years, in 100 yards of his house Mr. Griggs has killed 17 moccasins, 1 horned snake, 1 rattlesnake and 1 unknown species. He thinks he got them killed out.


No more snakes and a view of downtown Atlanta. LOST MOUNTAIN!!!

The community takes its name from a summit of the same name near the original town site. A variant name is "Lost Mountain Crossroads." A post office called Lost Mountain was established in 1848, and remained in operation until 1902.



The Lost Mountain store is a major landmark for the area, It has gone from the only store to a relic from another time stuck in the middle of the present day shopping centers of suburban Atlanta and yet she stands as she has since 1881.



Until the mid-1800's, the land around Dallas Highway was undeveloped. Judge Aaron Lafayette Bartlett noticed this, and  had a vision of developing the land.


My recent photo.

Judge Bartlett purchased roughly 200 acres of land, for the low price of $2.95. Using supplies he made himself, Bartlett built and opened the store in 1881, with help from his brother-in-law John Coleman Watson. The store was originally called "The Watson and Barlett Store." In 1925, Newt Sanford began managing the store. He would become the store's longest manager, retiring 70 years later, in 1992. The brick used to build the store originally is still what holds the store together today. Now, the store has several commercial stores built around it, the brick design of the modern stores match the same brick as the Lost Mountain Store.


The gas pumps outside the store are still there, in the exact spot they were in years ago. Look! 28 cents a gallon.

After Newt Sanford retired, the store remained unoccupied for a few years. In 1995, an independent Bank and Trust company decided to turn the landmark into their newest bank, a United Community Bank.

Civil War Lost Mountain

Sherman invaded Georgia in the Spring of 1864. It only took him 3 weeks to go from Chattanooga down to Allatoona Pass sticking close to the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Sherman decided that attacking Johnston there would be too costly, so he determined to move around Johnston's left flank and steal a march toward Dallas. There were Paulding County battles of New Hope Church May 25, Pickett's Mill May 27, and Dallas May 28. Shermans troops made slow progress in a series of battles through most of June until very early July all through Cobb County.



Now we detailed the fighting starting June 15th at Gilgal Church, but there were two weeks of fighting near Lost Mountain, half of which were rain days. I want to feature Pine Mountain as my next Georgia Natural Wonder where General Leonidas Polk was killed, with a tangent on the town and history of Kennesaw. Today we detail skirmishes near Lost Mountain.


Lost Mountain as viewed from Pine Mountain.

Federal troops moved from Dallas to Acworth and on June 2, 1864. Dallas Acworth Road Marker is at the intersection of County Line Road NW and Due West Road NW, on the right when traveling north on County Line Road NW.



The 14th KY participated in an engagement that would result in the regiment's first heavy casualties during this Atlanta campaign. Among them would be Captain Wiley C. Patrick. The following is an account of events that ultimately, on this fateful day, led to his untimely death at the age of 28.


Captain Wiley Cope Patrick.

During the previous night, General Schofield, commander of the 23. Army Corps, received orders from General Sherman to turn the Confederate right, "so as to get on the waters of Alatoona Creek", about 2 miles northeast of Pickett's Mill. Rain began falling early in the morning and after all the necessary preparations were completed, Schofield's troops began moving at 8 a.m. in rear of left on the Alatoona road to the extreme left of Sherman's Army until they reached the Burnt Hickory and Marietta road, near Cross Roads Church (also known as Burnt Church), and then turned east.


 Crossroads Church Marker is on Dallas-Acworth Highway (Georgia Route 92) 0 miles north of Cedarcrest Road, on the right when traveling south.

The 14th KY formed the extreme left of the front line of Strickland's Third Brigade (Hascall's Division), two lines deep. This was a very dangerous position as it left the regiment exposed on the flank. Progress was slow and frequent halts were necessary because of the almost impenetrable lob lolly pine forest which was so dense that the men were unable "to see two rods" or see those on their right or left. Only with great difficulty did the skirmish line move in accord with the line of battle, which was directed by compass. The brush was so thick and interlaced that neither man or horse could force a way through it. The soldiers had to march around the brush, re-connect and rectify the direction and resume their advance once more.



Once the troops left Allatoona road, their advance was sharply contested by dismounted Confederate cavalry all through the woods. Around 10 a.m., after passing over the divide separating Pumpkin Vine Creek and its branches from Allatoona Creek, the 14th KY reached open ground near the creek's west side - a little swampy valley - and went into position. The Confederate batteries, situated at an entrenched line on the east side of Allatoona Creek, obtained good range of the Union troops and began throwing a galling fire in every direction, sweeping the valley at intervals and making it unpleasantly hot for the massing lines who were finally ordered to lie down. Stretcher bearers were continuously filing by with their ghastly loads.


14th Kentucky infantry reunion Ashland Kentucky.

At 11 a.m., the 14th KY was ordered to be ready to charge the Confederate line which was anxiously received by the men of the regiment. Almost simultaneously, heavy clouds had gathered and "Heaven's Artillery opened in grand style". The rain increased in intensity and was pouring from the dark and gloomy sky above, making it difficult for the men to load their guns. The lightning flashed and cut in zigzag streaks, and for a time the roar of the thunder and the enemy's cannon mingled so that it was hard to tell one from the other. While lying on the muddy ground, the men were soaked to their skin in a short time. Finally, after what appeared to be an eternity, the actual order came down the line to move forward and charge the enemy's works and the men started "hooping and holowing and shooten". The 14th KY attacked with vigor and with a sharp fight turned the enemy's flank, driving them back about two miles across Alatoona Creek, which was muddy and swollen by the rain to the depth of three feet.


14th Kentucky infantry reunion.

Hascall's division pressed on and began to develop the line of the enemy's works at James Foster's house, near the junction of Burnt Hickory and Marietta roads with the Dallas and Acworth road. 


Confederate Machine Gun?

The 14th KY's left rested within 150 yards of the enemy's fortifications, from which the Confederates fired grape, canister, solid shot and shell. Company A, under command of Captain James C. Whitten, formed the skirmish line in the immediate front and advanced to within 50 yards of the masked enemy's battery.


James Foster House Marker is in Acworth, Georgia, in Cobb County. Marker is at the intersection of Burnt Hickory Road NW and County Line Road NW, on the right when traveling west on Burnt Hickory Road NW.

In the charge upon the enemy's works, Captain Wiley C. Patrick was killed while leading Company I. Finding the enemy's works too strong, the men layed down under a shower of grape shot. Six or eight shells burst among members of Captain Patrick's company, wounding several. A shell also seriously injured Captain Whitten in his right hip, disabling him for the duration of his service. The bullets, as one member of the 14th KY described it," was a flying as putner as fast as I ever saw it hale." Eventually, a lodgment was made by the 14th KY at Foster's house, despite stubborn resistance by the Confederates.


On Memorial Day weekend 2001, Captain Wiley C. Patrick was honored with a special ceremony by the 14th KY Heritage Society, the Magoffin County Historical Society and the KY Department SUVCW.

Around 4 p.m., the storm finally had passed and as night began to fall, the sun "unexpectedly shone out for a few moments as it retired behind the hills in a blood-red sheen of glory, leaving a few moments later a darkened earth behind, made doubly gloomy by the brightness of the disappearing luminary". A further advance was found to be impracticable and after a hard day the men of the 14th KY hastily began to entrench their line and barricaded for the night.



For Captain Wiley C. Patrick, the fighting was over. In their subsequent reports, Colonel G. W. Gallup, commander of the 14th KY, called Patrick "noble and gallant", while Colonel Silas Strickland, commanding brigade officer, found him to be "a most brave and gallant officer." His body was buried by his comrades near the battle site where it remained until 1866, when his brother Elijah Patrick made the trip back to Georgia to recover the remains. Arriving at Atlanta, Elijah Patrick hired an oxen team and with several men, proceeded to Captain Patrick's burial site and removed the body. It was placed into a pine box, which was taken back by train to Catlettsburg, KY and then transported to Magoffin County by wagon.


Captain Wiley C. Patrick's Marker then and now.

Wiley C. Patrick's body was re-intered in the Meredith Patrick Cemetery. A white stone monument marks the grave. One of the inscription reads: Capt. Wiley C. Patrick of Co. I, 14 Reg. Kentucky Vol. Infantry, Born Dec. 9, 1835, Fell in Action June 2, 1864. During Captain Patrick's burial, a Georgia pine seed that had accidentially clung to the body, was lowered into the grave as well. Over the years, it grew into a tall strong tree until it finally had to be cut down. A tree stump is all that remains today - a silent reminder of the tragic death of one of Magoffin County's finest.


Hood and Hardee withdraw Marker is at the intersection of Due West Road NW and County Line Road NW, on the right when traveling west on Due West Road NW.

From the US 4th Corps Diary

June 2 . - 6 a. m., unusually quiet in our front. General Davis going into position between Stanley 's and Wood 's divisions, relieving Twenty-third Corps troops, Schofield moving to the extreme left of the army. The enemy tried our lines to-night, but did not succeed in driving our skirmishers back. About the usual loss in skirmishing to-day. Remained quiet, awaiting developments, &c. Heavy rainstorm from 11 a. m. until 4 p. m.


Site of Old Allatoona Church Marker is on County Line Road 0 miles south of Kings Tree Pass, on the left when traveling south. Looking south on County Line Road.



From the 4th Corp diary

June 3 .-9 a. m., General Wood hid his pickets and skirmishers and struck tents to deceive the enemy and to try and induce him to attack us. The ruse did not succeed, although every appearance was that General Wood had withdrawn from his position. The same ruse was practiced by General Stanley at 9 a. m., with the same effect. But little picket and skirmish firing today. Nothing of special importance occurred in our front. 


Thomas J. Wood

8 p. m., received verbal instructions from Major-General Thomas to relieve General Davis ' division (between Wood and Stanley ), in the morning by parts of Wood 's and Stanley 's divisions. 8.15 p. m., sent note to General Cruft at Kingston to start back with train at daylight in the a. m. or as soon as he got the note. 9 p. m., sent instructions to Wood to relieve the left half and to Stanley to relieve the right half of Davis ' division at sunrise to-morrow, and to thin out their forces to one line in those parts of their positions which they deemed the strongest. At same hour sent instructions to General Newton to relieve Stanley 's division as far as the creek, on his ( Newton 's) left, at sunrise in the a. m., and to thin out his line in that place where he was the strongest; also informed him that General McPherson had been instructed to re-enforce him in case he was attacked; Wood 's, Stanley 's and Newton 's divisions to hold their present lines.


David Sloan Stanley

9.30 p. m., received written instructions from headquarters Department of the Cumberland to withdraw Stanley 's or Newton 's division from its present position, leaving the other to cover the entire line of both as now posted, and relieve General Davis ' division, of the Fourteenth Corps. This could not be done. It will be necessary to relieve Davis from the two divisions, Wood 's and Stanley 's, one on either side. 11 p. m., received note from General Newton stating that if he relieved any men from his present line that he could not give them any rest, and that they would suffer from exhaustion, but that he would obey the order. Sent a reply at once to General Newton, stating that our lines had to be extended so as to embrace General Davis , that all of the troops would be relieved as soon as General Blair arrived at Allatoona, in two days perhaps, and that McPherson would help him in case of need, and that General Thomas had, in fact, ordered him to hold his own and all of General Stanley 's line, but that this order had been changed for his benefit. Dark, cloudy, damp day. A few men killed and wounded on the skirmish line.


John Newton

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, 

June 4, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel H. W. PERKINS,Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my Third Brigade arrived at the bridge over Allatoona Creek at 8 p.m. yesterday. The command is in position at the bridge and ford. They encountered no opposition, and the commanding officer says no enemy in the vicinity. He reports the roads as good. The bridge needs considerable repairs, but the timber being there it will be fixed up rapidly.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. W. GEARY,Brigadier-General, Commanding.


Mason's Bridge Marker is near Acworth, Georgia, in Cobb County. Marker is on County Line Road 0.1 miles east of Old Stilesboro, on the right when traveling west.



HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, 
In the Field, June 4, 1864-6.30 p.m.

Brigadier General W. L. ELLIOTT,Chief of Cavalry:

I have the honor to inform you that part of my forces were in Acworth this morning, and drove a small party of fifteen rebels from the town. They could not ascertain the precise location of their picket post, supposed to be a strong one about two miles from the town. Their main cavalry force is at Big Shanty. I respectfully ask permission to move my command to Acworth to-morrow, as I can command this country as well from there as from my present position. I also ask permission to attack General Williams in the morning at Big Shanty.

E. M. McCOOK,Colonel, Commanding.


 Lemon House Acworth.

The troops to move on the most direct road from Dallas to Mason's Bridge, and thence to camp near Maloney's house, which is on the Acworth road. The Twentieth and Fourteenth Army Corps to have the right of way if they are found moving on the same road. The troops to move through the fields and by-ways, leaving the roads for the artillery and trains. Ammunition trains and the artillery to move on the road near the troops. The hospitals will be moved to the vicinity of Acworth, under the direction of Surgeon Heard , and all empty wagons not in park to be sent to division hospital at daybreak for the purpose of transporting the sick. At same hour instructions sent to General Newton to leave his smallest brigade to cover our hospital at this place until the wounded can be transported to the railroad. Day cloudy and raining.


 Civil War Acworth.

JUNE 4, 1864.

The Army of the Mississippi will be removed tonight from its present position to Lost Mountain. Its divisions will move on three separate roads and will move by the left flank. Division commanders will leave their lines of pickets in their present positions. They will leave two or more regiments to replace their brigades in the trenches. The artillery will be removed from the front so soon as it is dark. The several brigades will be removed at 11 o'clock. The regiments left in the trenches will be removed at 1 o'clock, and the pickets and skirmishers at 3 o'clock, unless sooner relieved by the cavalry. The roads to be pursued by the several divisions will be indicated to them by the several engineers, who will act as guides. As it is of the highest importance that this movement should be conducted with success, division commanders are urged to confide the removal of their brigades and regiments to officers of the best skill and discretion.

By command of Lieutenant-General Polk:


Polk's March to Lost Mountain Marker is on Hosiery Mill Road just east of Bobo Road, on the right when traveling east.


Only 10 more days to live has General Polk…..


Lost Mountain Crossroads Marker is at the intersection of Dallas Highway (Georgia Route 120) and Mars Hill Road (Georgia Route 176), on the right when traveling west on Dallas Highway.

Rebel correspondence.

HEADQUARTERS HOOD'S CORPS, In the Field, June 5, 1864.

The lieutenant-general commanding desires me to say that General Jackson, of the cavalry, reports the enemy advancing on the roads over which we marched this morning. He wishes you to have your artillery placed in position, and your troops held in readiness for action.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. H. WIGFALL, Aide-de-Camp.

 
Cedar Plantation Acworth.

From the Union 4th Corps diary….

June 5 .-6.15 a. m., General Stanley reports that the enemy has evacuated the rifle-pits in Colonel Grose 's front in Dallas. This report sent to department headquarters. Grose 's men in enemy's first line of pits. 7.10 a. m., General Newton reports that the enemy has evacuated his first and second line of rifle-pits and that he has some force in his third line; supposed to be dismounted cavalry. He reports that a deserter says that Johnston has retreated beyond the Chattahoochee River. This report sent to department headquarters. 8 a. m., the enemy gone from our entire front. 9 a. m., General Wood called at headquarters and said that the enemy had retreated and that he had examined the place of his fight of the 27th, and that he now saw that has had been with his advance troops within eight paces of the rebel works. Our skirmishers now out a mile beyond the enemy's works. 


4th Corps.

12 noon, Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes , chief quartermaster, was instructed to move his train at once to the vicinity of Burnt Church, if it could be done without interfering with the movements of General McPherson 's troops or trains. 1 p. m., sent instructions to General Stanley to detail one regiment from his command as a guard for corps train until it moves to and arrives at its new position (will move to-morrow). 8.30 p. m., received from department headquarters order of march for June 6 . The Twentieth corps to move at daybreak, across Mason's Bridge, over the Allatoona Creek, and take up a position on the ridges in the angle between the road to Big Shanty and the one leading south to the east of Lost Mountain, right resting on Allatoona Creek.  



A confederate report

HEADQUARTERS HOOD'S CORPS, In the Field, June 6, 1864.

Brigadier-General BROWN,Commanding Division:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say that you can keep any brigade of your division that you please. He does not wish you to re-enforce the brigade on picket, but should the enemy appear in your front, to make him show his front, if possible, before you retire. General Hindman has a brigade on picket on your right, and General Stewart one on your left. The instructions to each of these, including yours, are that they will not fight the enemy long enough to be cut to pieces, but make him develop himself, if possible, without severe loss on our side. He wishes me to say, also, that he has no fears of General Pettus' brigade becoming panic-stricken.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. RATCHFORD,Assistant Adjutant-General.



Big Shanty fell to Sherman's troops on June 7, 1864, after which it served as a supply base, hospital and headquarters for the Union forces.

June 7 from the 4th US Corps

12 noon, sent the train to Etowah, or to Cartersville depot if no supplies at Etowah. 4 p. m., General Cruft arrived with that part of our train which had been sent to Kingston for supplies. 1 p. m., received Special Field Orders, No. 20, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, June 7 , stating that General Blair 's command is at Kingston, and a good pontoon bridge at the railroad crossing; that the general commanding believed the enemy had gone across the Chattahoochee River, yet we must be prepared for battle near Kennesaw Mountain, and the following disposition to be completed, and the army be ready to move on lines to be hereafter designated, on Thursday, June 9 , at 6 a. m. Nothing of importance occurred today. Troops resting. Day very warm.


 Charles Cruft.

From Union correspondence.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS, 
June 7, 1864.Memorandum of operations in my front during the night:

General Williams, on right, reports a few skirmishers at house on his extreme right; also in house on left as occupied yesterday. Very little firing. Considerable chopping in front of right. Drums heard directly in front toward Lost Mountain; also on right front. General Butterfield (center) reports chopping mile in front, cheering, and drums playing in front. Scouted half a mile in front and found no enemy. Prisoner from Nineteenth Tennessee, Cheatham's division, taken this morning, reports his division one mile in front of General Butterfield. Moved from New Hope Church night before last, and commenced throwing up works last evening. General Geary reports no firing in his front.

JOSEPH HOOKER,Major-General.


From 4 June to 18 June 1864, the Confederates occupied a 10-mile long line from Lost Mountain to Brushy Mountain. From 4 June to 15 June, they also occupied an advance position on Pine Mountain.

Confederate correspondence

HEADQUARTERS HOOD'S CORPS, In the Field, June 7, 1864.

Whenever this corps is placed in line of battle for the purpose of fighting, it will be the duty of commanding officers to make inquiry of any families who may be near enough the lines to be in danger, and learn if they wish to move. Those families who desire to move, and have not the means of doing so, will be furnished with wagons to transport them and their effects out of danger. The attention of commanding officers is again called to the destruction of private property, especially the wheat crop. They will use every means in [their power] to prevent it and bring to punishment any one depredating, regardless of the command to which he belongs.

By command of J. B. Hood, lieutenant-general, commanding:

J. W. RATCHFORD,Assistant Adjutant-General.



Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer: From Bethel to Bentonville.

Major James Ratchford's reminiscences, unrevealed for more than one hundred years, provide a different perspective on the generals he served and the more than thirty engagements he survived. As adjutant general to Daniel Harvey Hill, John B. Hood, and Stephen D. Lee, Ratchford participated in major battles in the East, such as Fredericksburg and the Seven Days, witnessed the siege of Atlanta, and finally surrendered with Joseph E. Johnston's army at Greensboro, North Carolina, in April 1865. Professor Sieburg, Ratchford's granddaughter, has edited her ancestor's accounts of his close contacts with such Confederate leaders as Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, as well as his descriptions of the combat soldier's life. Ratchford's job as a courier enabled him to shed new light on the famous "lost dispatch, " which many believe led to the Confederate defeat at Antietam (Sharpsburg). Major Ratchford claimed little knowledge of the larger military picture, but describes in a simple, straightforward style the humor, heroism, and honor which were part of that epic conflict.

June 8 1864
 
Sherman's report........

Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:

General Blair arrived to-day, with two divisions of the Seventeenth Corps, about 9,000 strong, having left about 1,500 men in the Allatoona Pass, to fortify and hold it. Colonel Wright, railroad superintendent, reports he will have the Etowah bridge done by the 12th instant. To-morrow I will feel forward with cavalry, and follow up with infantry the moment the enemy develops his designs.                                    If he fight at the Kenesaw Mountain I will turn it; but if he select the line of the Chattahoochee then I must study the case a little more before I commit myself.

W. T. SHERMAN,Major-General.



From the man who wrote "Taps"

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, TWENTIETH CORPS, June 8, 1864-8 p.m.

Major-General HOOKER:

GENERAL: My pickets have all returned from the advance ordered-the same report from all, viz: Found the enemy at distance ranging from one mile and a quarter to two miles all along my front. Cavalry vedettes in all cases driven in, enemy's pickets also, sufficient to see their breast-works, and that they were occupied. The enemy were seen at one point to discharge a volley as if cleaning their pieces. The nearest point of the enemy's works is opposite to my right center, where my right refuses and turns to cross the Sandtown road and connect with General Williams' division.

The written report of the division officer of the day will be sent in soon. This statement is from the verbal reports. I would be exceedingly obliged for information as to the means General Hovey has for obtaining the news he reported in my front. It is a problem I do not understand. None of his scouts have passed my lines.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,                                                     

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,Major-General, Commanding Division.


 Daniel Butterworth

Tangent on "Taps"

While the Union Army recuperated at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, from its grueling withdrawal during the Seven Days, Butterfield experimented with bugle calls and is credited with the composition of "Taps", probably the most famous bugle call ever written. He wrote "Taps" to replace the customary firing of three rifle volleys at the end of burials during battle. "Taps" also replaced Tattoo, the French bugle call to signal "lights out". Within months, "Taps" was sounded by buglers in both the Union and Confederate armies.



Johnston's report............

HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, June 8, 1864.

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

Our scouts report the enemy extending to our right and massing on the railroad between Acworth and Big Shanty. We are moving to meet this, and our line, extended across the railroad, runs from Gilgal Church to north of the Kenesaw Mountain.

J. E. JOHNSTON,General.



HDQRS. ROSS' BRIGADE, JACKSON'S CAVALRY DIVISION, 
In Front of Lost Mountain, Ga., June 8, 1864-7.30 p.m.

General VAUGHAN, Commanding Infantry:

GENERAL: My scouts report the enemy's skirmishers in connected line extending down to within half a mile of Leverett's gin-house. They passed around the right the enemy's skirmishers, and found infantry encamped in rear of the line of skirmishers. The force could not be ascertained. Drums were heard in this camp. I am satisfied it is all artillery. No force farther west or in the direction of New Hope Church. My scouts will attempt to learn the strength of the enemy, and whether their skirmish line is supposed all the way down from Davis' house to the point near Leverett's gin.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. S. ROSS,Brigadier-General.

Holy Cow, this Lawrence Ross has a hell of a history. He is Mr. Texas A &M Check out this tangent on Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross (September 27, 1838 - January 3, 1898) was the 19th Governor of Texas (USA), a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War, and a president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now called Texas A&M University.


Young Calvary Ross

Ross was raised in the Republic of Texas, which was later annexed to the United States. Much of his childhood was spent on the frontier where his family founded the town of Waco. As a teenager, Ross attended Baylor University and Florence Wesleyan University. On one of his summer breaks he suffered severe injuries while fighting renegade Comanches. After graduation Ross joined the Texas Rangers, and in 1860 led troops in the Battle of Pease River, where he rescued Cynthia Ann Parker, who had been captured by the Comanches as a child.


Sul Ross State University

When Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederacy, Ross joined the Confederate States Army. He participated in 135 battles and skirmishes and became one of the youngest Confederate generals. Following the Civil War, Ross briefly served as sheriff of McLennan County before resigning to participate in the 1875 Texas Constitutional Convention. With the exception of a two-year term as a state senator, Ross spent the next decade focused on his farm and ranch concerns. In 1887, he became the 19th governor of Texas. During his two terms, he oversaw the dedication of the new Texas State Capitol, resolved the Jaybird-Woodpecker War, and became the only Texas governor to call a special session to deal with a treasury surplus.


Governor Ross

Despite his popularity, Ross refused to run for a third term as governor. Days after leaving office, he became president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). He is credited with saving the school from closure, and his tenure saw a large expansion in college facilities and the birth of many school traditions.



One of the traditions is the placement of coins on his boots.

       

We talked about Ross a few post ago GNW #133 (Part 3) Civil War Marietta.

HDQRS. ROSS' BRIGADE, JACKSON'S CAVALRY DIVISION, 
Anderson's Steam-mill, Ga., June 17, 1864-1 p.m.
Brigadier-General JACKSON,Commanding Division:

GENERAL: I held my position on the hill by Widow Green's until the Yankee infantry charged in heavy column upon my front, with line extending clear across those two forty-acre fields. My artillery and small-arms played on them until their column came up within 200 yards. My men and cannoneers stood most gallantly and damaged the enemy seriously. My loss is very slight, I think. They intercepted the messenger from the mounted squadron on my left, and a heavy column of infantry came in behind me and shot down some of my horse holders. My command moved off without further confusion, while the Third Texas held in check the force pressing my flanks and rear. I am now at Anderson's Mill, all right. Armstrong's battery here. Please let me hear where you desire my line permanently established.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. S. ROSS,Brigadier-General.       



Tangent Green Plantation

Well I stopped by this Widow Green's Plantation and it is quite a community spot.   


There is a community garden.


February Flowers behind main house.

Then there is the main house.





You can peek through the windows.



Back to Lost Mountain Campaign                                                                                           

6/9/14

Union reports today…………

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, 
In the Field, June 9, 1864-6.30 p.m.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I sent General Stoneman with a brigade of cavalry to reconnoiter on the Sandtown road by way of General Hooker's camp. I have not yet received General Stoneman's report. At the same time I sent General Hascall with two brigades of infantry and a brigade of cavalry from Allatoona Church to Geary Davis', with orders to reconnoiter toward Lost Mountain Post-Office and Hardshell Church, sending one brigade of infantry as far as the latter point, if practicable, to support General Stoneman in his reconnaissance toward the Marietta road. General Hascall found the enemy in force behind strong rifle-pits along the east bank of Allatoona Creek, their line facing nearly west.



Stilesboro-Sandtown Crossroads Marker.



I am informed that General Stoneman took the road from Jackson's to Geary Davis', instead of the Sandtown road. I will inform you as soon as I see him, and will also send you a sketch giving the enemy's position, &c., as soon as my topographical engineer can make it. The line discovered by General Hascall is doubtless the enemy's flank line, running from Lost Mountain along the east of Allatoona Creek to a high hill just north of Hardshell Church.

Very respectfully, J. M. SCHOFIELD,Major-General, Commanding.


 John McAlister Schofield

From the 4th Corp…..

June 9 .--12 m., received note from Lieutenant-Colonel Remick , chief commissary of subsistence of the corps, at Cartersville Station, stating that only part of the forage and commissary stores necessary to load his train had arrived, and that as soon as it did he would finish loading and send all of the train that had not started; would start, probably, tomorrow morning. That part of the train which has started is under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Foy , Twenty-third Kentucky, who proposed to come through Allatoora Pass and then park it on this side for the night, but orders were sent to him at 12.15 p. m. to come here without delay. At same time instructions were sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Remick to move the rest of train, as soon as loaded, by the road upon which the troops march. 1 p. m., received orders from headquarters Army of the Cumberland stating that said army would march tomorrow on the main road to Marietta.

That part of the supply train which Colonel Foy was guarding arrived near this point late tonight; portion of it at Allatoona. 10 p. m., instructions were given to Colonel Hayes , chief quartermaster, to follow the corps with his train to Adams' house, about two miles from here, and park it there; but if we meet with no opposition from the enemy to continue following the troops. Nothing of importance occurred to-day. The cavalry, which was reconnoitering today, reports the enemy in strength, with strong earth-works, just in front of our vedettes. Day clear and warm.

 

From the Confederate reports……

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Kirk's House, June 9, 1864-4.30 p.m.

Major-General FRENCH,Commanding Division:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you conform your movements to those of General Loring, moving to the right. You will move your pickets, skirmishers, line of battle, reserves, artillery, ordnance and ambulance trains to the right, so that your right will unite with Loring's left, and be in order of battle when you halt.

I am, general, with much respect.

DOUGLAS WEST,Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]

This has been shown me, and I understood the order to be that I should leave my skirmishers and remove the line of battle and reserves, but nothing said about artillery.

JAS. CANTEY,Brigadier-General.


 James Cantey.

HDQRS. ROSS' BRIGADE, JACKSON'S CAVALRY DIVISION, In Front of Lost Mountain, Ga., June 9, 1864-10 a.m.

General VAUGHAN,Commanding Infantry:

GENERAL: There is an army corps extending from about opposite Davis' house to a point near Leverett's gin (Twenty-third Corps). They are preparing to move, I think. I can see their skirmishers and reserves folding and packing up their blankets, &c. They are beating drums all along their lines, and are moving and falling into line along their breast-works in small squads. I see they are doubling their lie clue they are not relieving those on duty.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,L. S. ROSS,Brigadier-General.

Tangent Acworth

Acworth is a city in Cobb County Georgia, United States. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. The 2018 estimate for Acworth's population is 22,642. Acworth is located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains along the southeastern banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona on the Etowah River. Unincorporated areas known as Acworth extend into Bartow, Cherokee and Paulding counties respectively.



Acworth's nickname is "The Lake City". Acworth Beach is located on nearby Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth.

History

Like the rest of Cobb County, the area now containing Acworth was carved out of the former Cherokee Nation in 1831 after the natives were expelled.



The Western and Atlantic Railroad was completed through town in 1840. A watering station for the locomotives was established there.


Old Mill Restaurant.

The town received its current name in 1843 from Western & Atlantic Railroad engineer Joseph L. Gregg, who named it for his hometown of Acworth, New Hampshire, which was named for the former Royal Navy Surveyor Sir Jacob Acworth.



Telegraph lines reached the town in 1851. Acworth was incorporated on December 1, 1860. Volunteers to fight in the Civil War enlisted in what became Company A ("Acworth Infantry") in the 18th Georgia Volunteer Infantry and Company C ("Invincibles") in the 41st Georgia Volunteer Infantry. The town was captured by the Union June 6, 1864. The city was called "Little Shanty" by the Union troops, to contrast it with the next town south, "Big Shanty", since renamed Kennesaw. The town was under martial law during the six months of occupation. On November 13, 1864, the town was burned down by the army of General W. T. Sherman, sparing twelve homes and one church; its citizens were left destitute.



The town had nearly recovered by the 1880s. Cotton farming in the area peaked from the 1890s through the 1920s. Low prices during the Great Depression resulted in a cessation of cotton farming in the area and throughout Cobb County. During segregation, the railroad tracks served as a racial divide, with African Americans living to the northeast of the tracks and the whites to the southwest. There were few common public events. When a movie theater was erected in the 1930s, Blacks were allowed to access the balcony from a separate entrance. Whites sat on the main floor. Volunteers formed a fire department in 1907.



There were eventually a total of three textile mills in town from 1905 through the 1980s. They employed about 800 workers at their peak.In 1926, Main Street was paved. When the entire Dixie Highway (old U.S. Route 41 and part of the Cherokee Peachtree Trail) was paved in 1929, over 800 tourist vehicles entered the city daily.The town made a major improvement in its water and sewage lines in the late 1940s. The city elected its first woman mayor, Mary McCall, in 1956 and 1961-6.



When the Etowah River was dammed, forming Lake Allatoona, citizens feared that land near the town would become a swamp. They successfully petitioned for a second dam, resulting in Lake Acworth in the 1950s. This became a tourist attraction.



Illinois Cove a big part of modern Acworth.



In 2011, the filming of several scenes for the Footloose remake took place in downtown Acworth. The Acworth Presbyterian Church was used as the primary church, and the house of Mayor Tommy Allegood was used as Julianne Hough's character's home.


Taste of Acworth festival.

In 2017, the city was the site of the WWA Wakeboarding National Championship.



Notable people

Warren Creavalle, professional soccer player.



Musa Smith, former NFL running back.



OK we wrap up this Lost Mountain Wonder with famous women who lost.



Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova - Despite never winning a singles title, she reached No. 8 in the world in 2000.

Danica Sue Patrick - Patrick finished her NASCAR career with her best result coming in the form of a fourth-place finish.

Nancy Ann Kerrigan  - At the Olympics, Kerrigan only won the silver medal