Atlanta Falls

The extension of the Federal right flank threatened to cut the Confederates off from Atlanta and caused them to retire toward the city on July 2, 1864. Sherman followed closely and decided not to assault the city but to cut all roads and railroads around it so the Confederates would have to fight or retire. President Davis, dissatisfied with Johnston's conduct of the campaign, replaced him with Hood. Four hard battles were fought around the city, but Sherman succeeded in cutting the railroads, and Hood withdrew. The capture of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, gave the Federals a base deep in the heart of the Confederacy and did much to assure Lincoln's re-election and the successful prosecution of the war. From Atlanta Sherman marched to Savannah and then north through the Carolinas, continuing the destruction of military assets. General Johnston, restored to command of the Confederate army, surrendered to Sherman on April 26, 1865, soon after Lee's surrender to Grant.

Marietta, Georgia · United States