Kennesaw Mountain
Other Names: None
Location: Cobb County
Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)
Date(s): June 27, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman
[US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]
Forces Engaged: Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 4,000 total (US 3,000; CS 1,000)
Description: On the night of June 18-19, Gen.
Joseph E. Johnston, fearing envelopment, withdrew his army to a new, previously
selected position astride Kennesaw Mountain. This entrenched arc-shaped line,
to the north and west of Marietta, protected the Western &
Atlantic Railroad, the supply link to Atlanta. Having defeated General John B.
Hood troops at Kolb’s Farm on the 22nd, Sherman was sure that Johnston had stretched his line too thin
and, therefore, decided on a frontal attack with some diversions on the flanks.
On the morning of June 27, Sherman sent his troops forward after an
artillery bombardment. At first, they made some headway overrunning Confederate
pickets south of the Burnt Hickory Road, but attacking an enemy that was
dug in was futile. The fighting ended by noon, and Sherman suffered high casualties.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: GA015
Preservation Priority: I.3 (Class B)
National Park Unit: Kennesaw
Mountain NBP