TheFallOfAtlanta
The Fall of Atlanta
August 1864
During August Sherman extended his right along an entrenched line to the junction of two railways at East Point, over which came the supplies for Atlanta and Hood's army: and the latter, extending a parallel line of works, stood on the defensive. Sherman's longrange guns kindled destructive fires in Atlanta. At length Hood, who had lost half his infantry in rash encounters, in sheer desperation sent out Wheeler with his cavalry to break up Sherman's communications and capture supplies. Kilpatrick made a successful countermovement.
On the 25th all of Sherman's munitions of war, supplies, and sick and wounded men were sent to his entrenched position on the Chattahoochee, the siege of Atlanta was raised, and the Nationals began a grand flanking movement, which events had delayed, and which finally caused Hood to abandon the coveted post, cross the Chattahoochee, and make a formidable raid upon Sherman's communications. The Nationals entered Atlanta as victors on Sept. 2, 1864, and the national flag was unfurled over the courthouse. Two days afterwards, Sherman issued an order for the inhabitants to leave the town within five days, that the place might be appropriated to military purposes. He deemed the measure humane, under the circumstances, for he expected the Confederates to attack him there. To a remonstrance by Hood, he replied. "God will judge me in good time, and He will pronounce whether it be more humane to fight with a town full of women and the families of a brave people at our backs, or to remove them in time to places of safety among their own friends." In a few days Atlanta was thoroughly evacuated by the civilians.
Slide Unidentified Nov. 15, 1864
Slide Atlanta
Slide Sherman's Hgtrs. - Judge Lyon;s House
Slide Atlanta
Slide Ruins near roundhouse.
Slide Yankees tearing up the track
Sources:
Photos from the Library of Congress
www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/battle-of-atlanta.htm