In June 1864, Little Kennesaw Mountain had no pathways, but Confederate leaders recognized its crest as an ideal artillery position. Maj. George S. Storrs, the only officer who believed cannon could be hauled there, volunteered his troops for the task. Using axes and ropes, Storrs' cannoneers cleared a swath of trees up the peak's east side in less than an hour. During the night of June 19, with 100 men assigned to each cannon, 9 guns were pulled into position on Little Kennesaw. On June 27, 1864, Storrs' Confederate batteries helped repulse a major Union assault during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.