On May 17, 1864, Johnston’s forces of the CSA retreated south from Resaca and paused here on an east-west line, intending to make a stand against the closely pursuing Federals. Finding the position untenable because of the width of Oothcaloga Valley, Johnston withdrew at midnight. Hardee's Corps of the CSA was astride the road at this point, and in rear-guard action detachments from Hardee's Corps held the stone residence of Robert C. Saxon, 0.2 miles north of the county line, until midnight.