On May 23-24, 1864, the 4th, 20th, and two divisions of the 14th corps of the U.S. converged here from Etowah River crossings at Island Ford, Gillem’s and Milam’s bridges, then moved southeast up the valley of Raccoon Creek to Burnt Hickory P.O. (Huntsville). The Army of the Ohio, including the 23d A.C. and Stoneman’s Cavalry, crossed at Milam’s and moved east and south to Burnt Hickory by way of Sligh’s Mill. Together these troops formed the center and left of Sherman’s advance to New Hope Church.