Two battles occurred at Tilton during 1864. On May 13, 1864, 2.8 miles east of here, a delaying action was fought as Confederates moved south toward Resaca. On October 13, 1864, part of French’s Division of Stewart’s Corps, Confederate Army of Tennessee, attacked this place, then garrisoned by 300 men of the 17th Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry under Lt. Col. S.M. Archer, U.S. Army. Many of the garrison took refuge in the blockhouse just north of the town. Selden's Battery was brought into action and battered the blockhouse, and after a battle lasting several hours, the garrison surrendered.