Georgia Natural Wonder #263 - Yankee's In Atlanta? Who Let Them In? - Fulton Co. ***

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #263 - Yankee's In Atlanta? Who Let Them In?

Here we are at Georgia Natural Wonder #263, and we finally come to Fulton County and Atlanta. We have covered Roswell in Fulton County (GNW #144 Part 1) (GNW #144 Part 2) (GNW #144 Part 3) and we covered the East Palisades of the Chattahoochee River in Fulton County (GNW #185). But here we are, set to dive into Fulton County and Atlanta. There are 457 Parks in Atlanta and Fulton County. There are 235 National Register of Historic Places listings in Fulton County, Georgia. There are 530 Historical Markers or Monuments. There are 15 cities within Fulton County. There are 328 Notable People just from Atlanta. We are going to start with the Civil War in Atlanta as that was a hobby of mine, keeping up with the 150 years ago that day Bad Leroy and I did on the old site. The action comes to Fulton County in Roswell as noted in post above. The armies of Sherman then crossed the Chattahoochee River from Roswell and Cobb County mostly, and we covered a lot of that history with (GNW #141) (GNW #142) (GNW #144). We talked about how McPherson and Schofield were coming in down DeKalb County on July 18th and 19th 1864 with (GNW #258).


Oversized image of all Confederate fortifications in defense of Atlanta. Also see Sherman's march into Georgia all the battles where the red is.

Meanwhile to the west side of Atlanta, General Thomas troops are going to be crossing Peachtree Creek where most of the fighting took place 7/20/1864. Part of Sherman's force, the Army of the Cumberland commanded by Gen. George Thomas, was tasked with advancing on Atlanta from the north while the other two federal armies approached the city from the east and northeast. With Howard's IV Corps at Powers' Ferry, Hooker's XX Corps at Paces' Ferry, and Palmer's XIV Corps below it at Vinings, Thomas' Army of the Cumberland of nearly 60,000 men, or about 20,000 in each corps, was posted along a six-mile front.

Sandy Springs Action

The Union Troops crossed the Chattahoochee in several places as noted in post above. They came in to present day Sandy Springs all in Fulton County starting on July 8th 1864. 

Confederate Battery Position the site of the 1st Federal troops crossing, capturing one of General Wheeler's Confederate Calvary Battery.



Following this first successful crossing of the Chattahoochee by Federal troops, Confederate forces abandoned the main river defenses and retired toward the Atlanta defenses.


Marker is in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in Fulton County. Marker is on River Chase Point, 0.1 miles west of River Chase Circle, in the median. The marker is in the cul-de-sac at the end of River Chase Point, off River Chase Circle off Heards Ferry Road in Sandy Springs.


General Joseph Wheeler later in life with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders.

The 4th & 23d A.C. Advance Marker detailed Federal troops reaching this ridge July 12th, 1864, after crossing Power’s Ferry & Isom’s Ferry.


Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Old Powers Ferry Road.


It's on the left when traveling east on Mount Vernon Highway.

Crossing the Hooch.
General Oliver Otis Howard is also remembered for playing a role in founding Howard University.

The Howard's 4th A.C. Line is less than a mile away on that same ridge reached by Federal troops July 12th 1864.




Bridge across the Hooch.

 
Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway NW and Northside Drive NW, on the right when traveling west on Mount Vernon Highway NW.

July 17th 1864

These Sandy Springs Markers reflect the troops that went to DeKalb County (GNW #258).

The To Sandy Springs and Old Cross Keys Marker detailed Schofield's Federal forces on this ridge from July 8 to 17, 1864, when they marched to make contact with McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee at Old Cross Keys. 


The Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Heards Ferry Road, on the left when traveling west on Mount Vernon Highway.


John McAllister Schofield and Milo Smith Hascall.

The Hascall’s Div. Camped Marker is at site of the Thomas Burdett farm.


Marker is at the intersection of Mount Paran Road NW and Long Island Drive NW, on the right when traveling east on Mount Paran Road NW. 


The marker is almost hidden in the landscaping on Mount Paran Road.

The Gen. J. D. Cox's Div. To Old Cross Keys Marker shows Federal troop movements near Isom`s Ferry on July 17th, 1864.


Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road, on the right when traveling east on Mount Vernon Highway.


Jacob Dolson Cox, Jr. and the Samuel House Plantation.

The Hascall's Div. Joins Cox's Line of March Marker shows how the Federal troops joined on July 17th, 1864 on way to the Samuel House Plantation in DeKalb County.


Marker is on Johnson Ferry Road NE, 0.1 miles west of Hollis Cobb Circle, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in front of a medical office building.

The McPherson's Troops March to Decatur was also dated July 17th detailing more troops leaving Sandy Springs for DeKalb County.


Marker is at the intersection of Roberts Drive and Spalding Drive, on the left when traveling north on Roberts Drive.


The marker is located at Sandy Springs Fire Station No. 1.


Looking north: the fire station is on the left, Roberts Drive on the right, and Spalding Drive crosses in the background. Looking east on Spalding Drive, with Roberts Drive in the foreground.

 
James Birdseye McPherson only 5 days to live.

The 23d A.C. to Decatur Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Long Island Drive NW.


It is on the right when traveling east on Mount Vernon Highway


Looking west on Mount Vernon Highway, toward the Crossroads Church and the Chatthoochee River. Looking east on Mount Vernon Highway, with the Long Island Drive intersection in the background

July 18th 1864

Still in Sandy Springs, 7/18/64. This Sandy Springs Markers reflects the troops that went to Fulton County for today's post.

The Howard's March to Buckhead Marker is at the intersection of Powers Ferry Road NW and Mount Paran Road NW.


Newton’s column was assailed by Williams’ Kentucky Brigade of Wheeler’s cav., which opposed the Federals all the way to Buckhead.


It is on the right when traveling north on Powers Ferry Road NW.


Ezra Ayers Carman went on to become chief clerk of the United States Department of Agriculture in the years 1877 through 1885. Ohio Infantry.


He served as the historical expert for the Board created Antietam National Battlefield and wrote a study of the Maryland Campaign, which was published recently 2008.

It was today that Confederate President Jefferson Finis Davis removed General Joseph Eggleston Johnston and promoted General  John Bell Hood to the command of the campaign in Georgia.


Confederate Army Command Changed Marker has been reported missing. It was in Knight Park/Howell Station. Marker was on West Marietta Street, 0.1 miles west of Joseph E. Lowry Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. The marker stood in front of the Mead Paper Company plant. 


Davis, Johnston, Hood.

Inscription. Near here the command and tactics of the Confederate Army were changed July 18th 1864. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman (US) had been trying for months to force Gen. Joseph E. Johnston (CS) to abandon delaying tactics and face overwhelming odds in open battle. Gen. John Bell Hood took command of the Confederate Army on the above date and daringly went out to meet the Union forces. Atlanta fell after bitter fighting. There are 55 original Confederate cannon balls in the adjacent U.D.C. marker.


Many historians believe that President Jefferson Davis' removal of Gen. Johnston and promoting Gen. Hood to the command was one of the significant mistakes of the campaign in Georgia, if not of the entire war.


The Mead Paper Company plant is to the left. The United Daughters of the Confederacy monument, with (originally) 55 Confederate cannon balls, is in the background. That monument was erected in 1936.


Headquarters of General Joseph E. Johnston marker is in Knight Park/Howell Station. Marker is right beside above marker.


The Mead Paper Company Plant is in the background.


West Marietta Street is in the background. The monument originally had 55 Confederate cannonballs. It now has 54.

Now the DeKalb County bound Union Troops were moving on Cheshire Bridge Road.

Old Cheshire Bridge Road Marker Site. Marker has been reported missing. It read: In 1864 the Old Cheshire Bridge Rd., leading E. from Buckhead generally on the trace of the present E. Pace’s Fy. Rd., crossed this area & ran S.E. to N. Fork Peachtree Cr. & beyond. Howard’s 4th A.C. [US], marching from Power’s Ferry, encamped at Buckhead, July 18. When it was found that a gap in the Federal line N.E. of Atlanta required additional forces, two divs. of Howard’s A.C. were shifted to the left. Stanley’s div., July 19, followed by Wood on the 20th, left Buckhead on Cheshire Bridge Rd. & via the old Williams Mill Road (Briarcliff), joined Schofield’s 23d A.C.


Marker was at the intersection of Piedmont Road NE (Georgia Route 237) and East Paces Ferry Road NE, on the right when traveling north on Piedmont Road NE.


Cheshire Bridge Road as we now know it.


Site of Old Cheshire Bridge Marker is at the intersection of Buford Highway (U.S. 23) and Shady Valley Drive, on the right when traveling east on Buford Highway.


Looking east on Buford Highway toward the North Fork or Peachtree Creek and the site of Old Cheshire Bridge. The bridge is now six lanes of concrete (the last car is on the bridge). The marker can barely be seen to the right in the brush. Looking west on Buford Highway; the intersection in the distance is at North Druid Hills Road.

Back to the west Gen. Cleburne's Headquarters were at Johnson Road and West Marietta Street until Johnson was relieved of Command.


Gen. Cleburne's Headquarters. Marker has been reported missing.

Inscription.  On hill 200 yds. west stood the ante-bellum res. of Archibald Whitehead, headquarters of General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, [CSA] July 10-18, 1864. After withdrawal of Johnston’s army to this side of the river, night of July 9, his forces were posted at various points in this vicinity until Federal movements determined defensive measures. When ascertained, Johnston’s preparations for defense were disrupted by his relief of army command, night of July 17, & the appointment of Hood as his successor. July 18. Cleburne’s div. & the rest of Hardee’s A.C. were shifted to the valley of Peachtree Creek between Peachtree & Howell Mill Roads.


Marker was at the intersection of Johnson Road and West Marietta Street NW, on the right when traveling west on Johnson Road. Looking northeast from Johnson Road: at the intersection Perry Boulevard is to the left, Marietta Road straight ahead, and West Marietta Street to the right. The marker pole is to the extreme left.


Cleburne and Cleburne's statue at Ringgold Gap, Georgia by sculptor Ron Tunison.

All along the Northwestern ridges above Atlanta, the Confederates tried to make a stand.

Casey's Hill Marker is on Old Marietta Road NW 0.2 miles north of Marietta Road NW, on the right when traveling south.


Casey's Hill and the marker are at the very rear (west) of Crest Lawn Memorial Park (2000 Marietta Boulevard). Old Marietta Road and Maid Lane are closed off and accessible only through Crest Lawn. 


Atlanta's Outer Line Marker is on Old Marietta Road NW 0.2 miles from Marietta Road NW, on the left when traveling south. Casey's Hill, on which the marker is located, and the marker are at the very rear (west) of Crest Lawn Memorial Park (2000 Marietta Boulevard). Old Marietta Road and Maid Lane are closed off and accessible only through Crest Lawn.


Houses have now appeared at the very edge of the cemetery where the marker is located. The marker stands at one of the highest points in Atlanta.


View to Atlanta from Casey's Hill and a monument in Crest Lawn Cemetery.

The Confederates dug in in front of the Union onslaught.


 French's Line Marker is at the intersection of Chattahoochee Avenue SW and Carroll Drive NW, on the right when traveling south on Chattahoochee Avenue SW.


Looking south on Chattahoochee Avenue from Carroll Drive.


Samuel Gibbs French and Confederate Earthworks Atlanta Defenses.


Outer Defense Line Marker is at the intersection of Howell Mill Road and White Street, on the right when traveling north on Howell Mill Road.


Looking northeast on Howell Mill Road. Looking west across Howell Mill Road to White Street.


Alexander Peter Stewart - [/url]Edward Cary Walthall - William Wing Loring

Battle of Nancy Creek.

The terrain north and west of Buckhead was a series of wooded ridges and deep ravines riddled with significant creeks and tangled vines. This part of the Georgia wilderness had been sparsely settled prior to the war. Confederate Cavalry Commander Gen. Joseph Wheeler, with just four brigades at his disposal, or roughly 1,000 to 2,000 men per federal column, was charged with defending the area. Ferguson's Brigade had the task of checking the advance of Palmer's XIV Corps which headed toward Moore's Mill and the mouth of Nancy Creek.


Samuel Wragg Ferguson and John McAuley Palmer Palmer was a US Senator and a Governor of Illinois.

Williams' Kentucky Brigade covered the Power's Ferry Road and Howard's IV Corps advance on Buckhead from the north. Iverson's Georgians were assigned the role of covering the crossings of Nancy Creek by Hooker's XX Corps from the west along Paces Ferry Road, while Allen's Alabama Brigade covered the space between Iverson and Williams.


John Stuart Williams was a US Senator from Kentucky during Reconstruction. Alfred Iverson Jr.  had a bad day at Gettysburg but defeated General George Stoneman, at Sunshine Church. His grave is at the Confederate General's corner where the Sleeping Lion was located.  

 
William Wirt Allen born in New York, buried in Birmingham. Chastain Park today.



When Howard's IV Corps reached Nancy Creek they found the bridge partially burned and Williams' Kentucky cavalrymen waiting for them. This would be at today's Chastain Park, "at 8:30 the rebels opened on us with one piece of artillery, and our battery then went to the front, began work, and the rebel piece ceased firing," remembered veteran W. H. Newlin of the 73rd Illinois' Regiment. 



The XIV Corps forced a crossing over Nancy Creek at Kyle's Bridge along what today is West Paces Ferry Road just north of Westminster High School. There, the federals tangled with Iverson's Georgians and Ferguson's Mississippi horsemen and they also tangled with the rough Georgia terrain and with each other. Caught in a bend in the creek during July 18th, the Yankees struggled for most of the day before realizing that they were fighting each other. According to John Ferguson of the 10th Illinois, "the creek forked without being noticed by either of the two companies and after advancing some distance, Company D was fired into from the left," by another company from the Illinois Regiment. Leaving the Yankees to fight themselves, Ferguson's Mississippi troopers were sent north to help Allen's Alabama and Mississippi horse soldiers repel Hooker's XX Corps which had effected a crossing over Nancy Creek north of Kyle's Bridge and near today's Governor's Mansion. While Howard's IV Corps advanced on Buckhead and Palmer's XIV Corps continued to move down the eastern side of the Chattahoochee River, Hooker's XX Corps got the task of advancing through the jungle-like country in between these two points.


Howard’s Corps at Nancy’s Creek marker stands at the north end of the Nancy Creek Bridge, at the edge of Chastain Park.


Looking north on Powers Ferry Road. The marker stands at the edge of Chastain Park's Bobby Jones Golf Course, seen in the background.

First Lieutenant Ralsa C. Rice of the 125th Ohio recalled that "It was obvious that a determined resistance would be made, the place chosen being one of great natural strength. The road, after crossing the creek, climbed a hill, on the crest of which they had placed a battery of two guns in a substantial earthwork."


Looking south from the marker to Nancy Creek. Nancy Creek as it flows through a channel through the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Chastain Park.

With heavy timber flanking both sides and Nancy Creek in its front, the Confederate position was most formidable. According to Gen. Howard, "On this account they were able to hold us in check some little time." After placing a couple of batteries in position to respond, the rebels gave way. "We extinguished the fire, saved a portion of the bridge, and reconstructed it," recorded Howard.


Williams' Ky. Cavalry at Nancy's Creek Marker is at the intersection of Powers Ferry Road NW and Pineland Road NW, on the right when traveling north on Powers Ferry Road NW. The marker stands at the south end of the Nancy Creek Bridge, at the edge of Chastain Park.


Looking north on Powers Ferry Road at the Nancy Creek Bridge. The marker stands at the edge of Chastain Park's Bobby Jones Golf Course, seen in the background. Looking south on Powers Ferry Road, toward Sardis Church, Roswell Road, and Atlanta.



The July 18th fighting kept up as Federal troops moved to Buckhead and then to Peachtree Creek. Captain Charles T. Clark of the 125th Ohio described the action as a "running fight for six miles to Buck Head." "During the rest of the march [to Buckhead] … the rebel cavalry made quite stubborn resistance," added Howard.


4th A.C. at Buckhead Marker is at the intersection of East Paces Ferry Road and Grandview Avenue NE, on the right when traveling west on East Paces Ferry Road.

 
Thomas John Wood and John Newton.


The marker sits at a busy intersection, once the heart of Atlanta's entertainment district. Looking north on Grandview Avenue. Looking east on East Paces Ferry Road, one of the oldest roads in the area.


Smith House Buckhead. Now at Atlanta History Center.

One Federal soldier explained, “Skirmishing at the front continued. We pressed on, and at two PM reached a place designated ‘Buckhead,’ a cross-roads, 6 ½ miles from Atlanta. One store-house and probably 2 or 3 other buildings, including dwelling houses, were all the town contained,” remembered the veteran. “We met only slight resistance to our advance during the
afternoon, the enemy yielding and falling back to within 6 miles of Atlanta.”

 
Irby's Tavern Buckhead and Civil War Era Atlanta.

Palmer’s advance toward Moore’s Mill, a span of less than 3 miles would take three days to complete, while Howard and Hooker would likewise require three days to advance just 6 miles each in the Georgia wilderness before they secured a foothold on the south bank of Peach Tree Creek, the last natural barrier between them and Atlanta. This delay would afford Hood time to make the transition into command of the Rebel Army, and give him time to launch his first attack on the Yankee Army, which would come the next day, July 20, at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek. That contest at several points very nearly succeeded in throwing the federal forces north of Peach Tree Creek and proved to Sherman and his legions that the Confederacy was not going to give up Atlanta without a fight.


Federal Right Wing Marker is at the intersection of Paces Ferry Road NW and Mount Paran Road NW, on the right when traveling west on Paces Ferry Road NW.


Federal Right Wing to Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Paces Ferry Road NW and Paces Place NW, on the right when traveling west on Paces Ferry Road NW. The Marker is on the bank of Peachtree Creek where it passes under Paces Ferry Road.


John Grant Mitchell married niece of fellow Civil War general (and future Ohio Governor and U.S. President) Rutherford B. Hayes.

Meanwhile up on the hill below Peachtree Creek, and up by Piedmont Hospital where I was born, General Hardee is posting up.


Hardee at Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Brighton Road and Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median on Brighton Road.


William Joseph Hardee

The same day well north of Peachtree Creek we find the Ward's Division Encamped Marker. It is down Andrew's Drive from the Swan House and Atlanta History Center.


Looking north; Andrews Drive is to the right, Habersham Way in the foreground, and the driveway straight ahead once went to a large Federal home. 30 years ago that house was replaced by a cluster of expensive homes on 1/8 acre lots.


Looking northwest, with Habersham Way to the left. Looking west on Habersham Way, toward Habersham Road.


William Thomas Ward Union Troops encamped.

July 19th 1864


Wood's & Newton's Divs. at Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Peachtree Road NW (U.S. 19) and Fairhaven Circle NE, on the right when traveling north on Peachtree Road NW.
 
The impressive growth of Kudzu (a vine originally imported to Georgia to control roadside erosion) covering trees to the left is on the north bank of Peachtree Creek.


Looking north on Peachtree Road, with Fairhaven Circle to the right. The marker to the right is Ward's Div. Crossed Peachtree Creek.


Between the Peachtree Cr. Forks Marker is in Lindridge-Martin Manor. Marker is on LaVista Road (Georgia Route 236) 0.1 miles Cheshire Bridge Road, on the right when traveling west.The marker originally stood on the south side of LaVista Road. It was removed in 2008 for new construction on the site, It was refinished and installed on the north side of LaVista Road in 2009. It appears that at some point the title and text have been slightly changed from the original (1954) marker.


Looking west, toward Cheshire Bridge Road and Buckhead. Looking east on LaVista Road, toward Durand's Mill. Re-erected in front of a shopping center in 2009.


David Sloane Stanley Won Medal of Honor at Battle of Franklin Tennessee. At a critical moment rode to the front of one of his brigades, reestablished its lines, and gallantly led it in a successful assault.[

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AT SUTERMEISTER'S BATTERY, July 19, 1864-11.15 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS, Commanding Army of the Cumberland:

The battery being erected by the rebels is down the river, with two embrasures bearing in that direction. It is two miles from Sutermeister and not intrenched to fire on his work. The bridge we saw across a creek above the railroad is still there, and therefore I don't think it can be Peach Tree Creek, as Davis' skirmishers were ordered to the mouth of that creek. A deserter from the rebels at General McCook's reports belonging to Cheatham's division, which left the large fort and other works at about 6 p. m. yesterday. I will ascertain something positive as to the creek. Rebel skirmishers are pretty strong and quite this morning.

J. M. BRANNAN,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery.


John Milton Brannan colorized.

Battle Moore's Mill

Confederate Orders for July 19, 1864

In a circular order delivered to all three of his infantry commanders during the morning of Tuesday, July 19 , newly appointed Confederate Commander John Bell Hood made clear his objective to fight Sherman along the Peach Tree Creek line and to contest each attempted Federal crossing.

“Circular: Headquarters Stewart’s Corps,
Army of Mississippi,
July 19, 1864.

By direction of General Hood you will cause the banks of Peach Tree Creek to be thoroughly examined in front of your division; place a strong skirmish line there, and cause the best defenses that can be made to be placed there. The object is to enable a small force to resist the enemy’s crossing for some time. General Hood considers this of great importance, and Lieutenant General Stewart wishes you to give it your prompt attention.

Respectfully,
A. P. Stewart, General Commanding Corps.”

Along the quiet banks of the creek which lazily passed a mill near the mouth of Nancy Creek, these orders would soon be followed by the Mississippi and Arkansas troops which had been posted there. Soon, Federals by the hundreds and then thousands would swarm to the southern shore of the creek, the last natural obstacle between General Sherman and his goal, the city of Atlanta.

What happened next would be called the Battle of Moore’s Mill.

Battle of Moore’s Mill

July 19, 1864 (4:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M.)

Confederate Situation: A little after 1:00 P.M., Reynolds’ Arkansas Brigade was relieved by Gist’s Brigade from his position guarding the creek crossings around Howell Mill Road (then called the Pace’s Ferry Road by many.) He was ordered to move west to cover Peach Tree Creek from east of today’s I-75 to the Defoor’s Ferry Road. His force numbering only about 520 men was too small for the task, and Adams’ Miss. Brigade, some 1,500 strong, which he had just relieved had retired to a point near the Defoor’s Ferry Road. Reynolds deployed the 25 Arkansas in a skirmish line to cover the field below today’s Bohler Road crossing. By 4:00 P.M., the balance of his brigade was resting while Reynolds checked on the right of his line east of today’s I-75.


Daniel Harris Reynolds - States Rights Gist - John Adams .

Federal Situation: Meanwhile, Col. Dilworth’s 3 Brigade was ordered to force a crossing of Peach Tree Creek by General Jefferson C. Davis, his 1 Brigade under General Morgan having been unable to effect a crossing at Moore’s Mill just to the west due to the mill pond, Nancy Creek, and Sear’s Mississippi Brigade which was entrenched on the heights on the southern bank of Peach Tree Creek opposing any attempts to cross. Col. Mitchell’s 2 Brigade was ordered to support Dilworth’s crossing.


Colonel Caleb James Dilworth - Jefferson Columbus Davis - James Dada Morgan - Claudius Wistar Sears - John Grant Mitchell.



Key to Map:

1. Lt. Col. Charles W. Clancy led the 52 Ohio across a log which had been felled over Peach Tree Creek about 4:00 P.M.

2. The 85 Illinois followed immediately thereafter, and the two regiments proceeded about a quarter of a mile south to the heightsth opposite the field below today’s Bohler Road and the confluence of Green Bone Creek with Peach Tree Creek. The move by these regiments overwhelms the Arkansans of the 25 Ark. who quickly flee south to near today’s La Parc.

3.,4.& 5. The remainder of Dilworth’s Brigade also cross Peach Tree Creek and begin to deploy in the field near the creek.

6. Col. Mike Farrell and the 15 Mississippi along with 2 companies of the 6 Mississippi from Adams’ Brigade who are resting along today’s Defoor’s Ferry Road just to the southwest are called upon to help Reynolds respond to the Yankee parry. Farrell quickly forms his men, and with unloaded weapons (they did not have time to load), charge, fight in a brief clubbed-musket hand-to-hand encounter, and rout the 52 Ohio, sending them back to the creek. Also, Farrell briefly captures the 85 Illinois, his regiment being now in rear of the surprised Illinois troops. But they soon realize how few men are with Farrell, and they escape. The Mississippians are finally stopped, however, by the arrival of the 22 Indiana and the 125 Illinois who have by now formed to their left front, causing Farrell’s Mississippians to withdraw but not before they took some 52 Yankees prisoner.

7. After Dilworth’s Brigade has crossed, and after two of his regiments are routed, it is apparent that he needs support to hold the bridgehead. Col. Mitchell quickly crosses his Brigade over logs and rafts where they form to the east to protect Dilworth’s exposed left flank. The 34 Illinois leads Mitchell’s Brigade over the creek.

8. Soon thereafter, Reynolds launches a counter-attack from the east which bottles up another 40 prisoners, mostly from the spooked 85 Illinois, and some from the 86 Illinois nearby, but they capture many more guns (102) from those that they couldn’t catch. Reynolds’ progress is stopped by the timely arrival of Mitchell’s Brigade. For the next two hours, firing continues along the lines until dark.


 Battle at Moore's Mill Marker is on Moore's Mill Road 5 miles west of Margaret Mitchell Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is just east of the Moore's Mill Road Bridge over Peachtree Creek. Moore's Mill marker is behind it.


Moore's Mill Marker is on Moores Mill Road 5 miles west of Margaret Mitchell Drive, on the right when traveling west. It is at the bridge over Peachtree Creek.


Looking west on Moore's Mill Road at the bridge over Peachtree Creek; the marker is on the right and can barely be seen in the foliage to the right. Looking downstream from the Moore's Mill Road over Peachtree Creek toward the site of Moore's Mill.




 Disputed Passage Marker is at the intersection of Bohler Road and DeFoors Ferry Road, on the left when traveling north on Bohler Road. 


Looking south on Bohler Road, with DeFoors Ferry Road in the background.



 

Crossing Peachtree Creek

----------------------------

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, 

Near Howell's Mill, Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 19, 1864.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the following movements of the troops of the Army of the Cumberland have been made this day: The division of Brigadier-General Davis and Baird, of the Fourteenth Army Corps; Brigadier-General Geary, of the Twentieth Corps, and Brigadier-General Wood, of the Fourth Corps have crossed the Peach Tree Creek and established themselves on the south side. The division of Major-General Stanley, of the Fourth Corps, will probably get across to-night, and I have given orders for all the columns to press forward toward Atlanta at daylight in the morning. The crossing was effected by Brigadier-Generals Davis' and Wood's divisions in the face of considerable opposition by the rebels. Not so much resistance was offered to Brigadier-Generals Geary and Baird, and Brigadier-General Johnson was prevented from crossing by a mill pond in his front.

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

GEO. H. THOMAS, 

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

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 Green Bone Creek Marker was on Peachtree Battle Avenue 0.1 miles east of Bohler Road NW, on the left when traveling east.


Howell Mill marker on the south side of the bridge across Peachtree Creek on Howell Mill Road.


There are three markers on the south side of the bridge across Peachtree Creek on Howell Mill Road.


Reynold's Brigade Marker is on Howell Mill Road 0.7 miles from Peachtree Battle Road just south of the bridge over Peachtree Creek. 


Looking north, the Reynold's Brigade Marker can just be seen in the foreground (right), with the Howell's Mill marker just visible beyond it. The bridge over Peachtree Creek is just beyond the markers and before the traffic light.


Federal Crossings Marker is on Howell Mill Road 0.1 miles south of Peachtree Battle Road, on the left when traveling south. The marker stands just to the south of the Howell Mill Bridge over Peachtree Creek.

Looking north on Howell Mill Road, with two other Georgia Historical markers (Howell Mill) (Reynolds Brigade) visible at the bridge over Peachtree Creek.

At Sardis Methodist Church, the oldest church in the region, the Rebels made another effort to repel the Yankee advance. The church was located at the intersection of Powers Ferry Road and Roswell Road, where it remains today. At this intersection, the Federals made a right turn onto Roswell Road and proceeded south to Buckhead. "At Buck Head they rallied in and tried to hold their works," remembered Captain Clark, "but were expelled before they had time to fairly form, and our own line advanced half a mile further and halted near Wheeler's late headquarters." One Federal soldier explained, "Skirmishing at the front continued. We pressed on, and at two PM reached a place designated 'Buckhead,' a cross-roads, 6 ½ miles from Atlanta. One store-house and probably 2 or 3 other buildings, including dwelling houses, were all the town contained," remembered the veteran. "We met only slight resistance to our advance during the afternoon, the enemy yielding and falling back to within 6 miles of Atlanta."


 20th A.C.; Pace's Fy. Rd. Marker is at the intersection of West Paces Ferry Road and Arden Road, on the right when traveling east on West Paces Ferry Road. 


Looking east on West Paces Ferry Road toward Buckhead, and the site of Howard's 4th Corps. Looking southwest on Arden Road, route of Geary's Division on July 19, 1864

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HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, 

Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 19, 1864-6 p. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I have given directions for the whole of Geary's division to cross Peach Tree Creek and establish themselves on the south side of it, and shall bring up Williams' division to support him Prisoners state that that the order was published last night relieving Johnston and putting Hood in command of their army. They do not know that any portion of their forces have been sent to our left. They say that Stewart's (Pold's) corps is on the left of Hardee's, which latter is in our front. They state further that their main line of defense is three miles from Atlanta in front of me, and about two and a half miles in the direction of the Chattahoochee. They state that the assignment of Hood gives great dissatisfaction in Hardee's corps.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding.

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Geary's Div. to Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Peachtree Battle Avenue and Arden Road, on the right when traveling east on Peachtree Battle Avenue. 


Looking west on Peachtree Battle Road toward Howell Mill Road (and the site of Howell's Mills); Arden Road is on the right. Looking east on Peachtree Battle Road, toward Northside Drive and Peachtree Road.

 
John White Geary


 Geary's Three Bridges Marker is at the intersection of Wesley Drive NW and Northside Drive NW (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Wesley Drive NW.

--------------------

Rebel Dispatches today......... 

CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,July 19, 1864-11 a. m.

General WHEELER:

GENERAL: General Hood directs me to inform you that unless circumstances now not seen should prevent, Generals Hardee and Stewart have been ordered to attack the enemy at 1 p. m. to-day. General Cheatham, on the right, is ordered to hold in check any force of the enemy that may advance in that direction, and you are desired to give all the aid in your power to General Cheatham to carry out this part.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

A. P. MASON, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

 
Colross Alexandria Virginia, home of Arthur "Pen" Pendleton Mason.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS HARDEE'S CORPS, July 19, 1864.

By direction of General Hood you will cause the banks of Peach Tree Creek to be thoroughly examined in front of your division; place a strong skirmish line there, and cause the best defenses that can be made to be placed there. The object is to enable a small force to resist the enemy's crossing for some time. General Hood considers this of great importance, and Lieutenant-General Hardee wishes you to give it your prompt attention.

Respectfully, 

T. B. ROY, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Thomas Benton Roy, CSA

Union General Palmer's advance toward Moore's Mill, a span of less than 3 miles would take three days to complete, while Howard and Hooker would likewise require three days to advance just 6 miles each in the Georgia wilderness before they secured a foothold on the south bank of Peach Tree Creek, the last natural barrier between them and Atlanta. This delay would afford Hood time to make the transition into command of the Rebel Army, and give him time to launch his first attack on the Yankee Army, which would come the next day, July 20, at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek. That contest at several points very nearly succeeded in throwing the federal forces north of Peach Tree Creek and proved to Sherman and his legions that the Confederacy was not going to give up Atlanta without a fight.

Fulton County

Fulton County is a county in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,066,710, making it the state's most populous county. Its county seat and most populous city is Atlanta, the state capital. About 90% of the city of Atlanta is within Fulton County; the remaining portion is in DeKalb County. Fulton County is the principal county of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metropolitan statistical area.

History

Midtown Atlanta and the Downtown Connector

Fulton County was created in 1853 from the western half of DeKalb County. It was named in honor of Robert Fulton, the man who created the first commercially successful steamboat in 1807.

After the American Civil War, there was considerable violence against freedmen in the county. During the post-Reconstruction period, violence and the number of lynchings of blacks increased in the late 19th century, as whites exercised terrorism to re-establish and maintain white supremacy. Whites lynched 35 African Americans here from 1877 to 1950; according to the Georgia Lynching Project, 24 were killed in 1906. This was the highest total in the state. With a total of 589, Georgia was second to Mississippi in its total number of lynchings in this period.

In addition to individual lynchings, during the Atlanta Race Riot of 1906, whites killed at least 25 African Americans; the number may have been considerably higher. Two white persons died during the riot; one a woman who died of a heart attack. The violence affected black residential and business development in the city afterward. The Georgia legislature effectively completed disenfranchisement of African Americans in 1908, with constitutional amendments that raised barriers to voter registration and voting, excluding them from the political system.

At the beginning of 1932, as an austerity measure to save money during the Great Depression, Fulton County annexed Milton County to the north and Campbell County to the southwest, to centralize administration. That resulted in the current long shape of the county along 80 miles of the Chattahoochee River. On May 9 of that year, neighboring Cobb County ceded the city of Roswell and lands lying east of Willeo Creek to Fulton County so that it would be more contiguous with the lands ceded from Milton County.

In the second half of the 20th century, Atlanta and Fulton county became the location of numerous national and international headquarters for leading companies, attracting highly skilled employees from around the country. This led to the city and county becoming more cosmopolitan and diverse.

Economy

Companies headquartered in Fulton County include AFC Enterprises (Popeyes Chicken/Cinnabon), AT&T Mobility, Chick-fil-A, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Church's Texas Chicken, The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, Earthlink, Equifax, First Data, Georgia-Pacific, Global Payments, Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group, IBM Internet Security Systems, Mirant Corp., Newell Rubbermaid, Northside Hospital, Piedmont Healthcare, Porsche Cars North America, Saint Joseph's Hospital, Southern Company, United Parcel Service, are based in various cities throughout Fulton County.

Airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport straddles the border with Clayton County to the south and is the busiest airport in the world. The Fulton County Airport, often called Charlie Brown Field after politician Charles M. Brown, is located just west-southwest of Atlanta's city limit. It is run by the county as a municipal or general aviation airport, serving business jets and private aircraft.

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_limits]