Federal siege operations around Atlanta not only involved the encircling line of the city's defenses, but also threatened the two railroads southwest of the city. After the Battle of Ezra Church, Federal forces were shifted south, only to be confronted by a line of Confederate works west of and parallel to the railroads. To block this southward movement, Bate's division of Hardees A.C. (CSA) was posted on a ridge west of the main line and south of the Sandtown Rd. On Aug 6, 1864, Cox's div., 23d A.C. (USA), moving from north of the road, vainly attempted to dislodge Bate, who withdrew only when outflanked by Hascall's div. Cascade Avenue was the old Sandtown Road.