In July 1864, a heavy intrenched line of field works extended from the mouth of Nickajack Creek 0.8 mile southwest northeastward to a point 1 mile above the State Railroad bridge. Prepared in advance, it was occupied by Johnston’s Confederate forces when they withdrew from the Smyrna–Ruff’s Mill line on July 5. Georgia militia held the ferries below Nickajack, and from southwest to northeast the line was held by Hood’s, Hardee’s, and Loring’s corps. The position was evacuated on July 9 after Federal forces crossed above the State Railroad bridge. It was said to have been the heaviest field works of the Atlanta Campaign, and in 1935 their formidable character was still visible along Oakdale Road and just above the State Railroad.