Interlocking Defenses

This artillery redoubt protected part of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne’s Confederate division. From here Southern trenches zigzagged to the left and right for miles, with cannon batteries placed at key positions. These defense lines could produce a devastating crossfire, more destructive than direct frontal fire. The Texas brigade that built these earthworks exchanged skirmish fire with Federal troops for a week before the battle. One Texan wrote in his diary, “The bullets go zip zip over our breastworks day and night, making the men bow their heads.” On June 27, the Federals launched their main assault at the center of the Confederate defenses—1/2 mile to the left—to try to split the Southern army there. The Confederates were ready.

Georgia · United States