On May 7, 1864, the 4th Army Corps marched from Catoosa Springs south on this road to Tunnel Hill, with Stanley’s division in advance followed by Wood and Newton under the command of Major General O.O. Howard. The march was opposed by outposts of Wheeler’s cavalry, and the road was obstructed by felled timber. This movement, together with Palmer’s 14th Army Corps marching on the direct road from Ringgold to Tunnel Hill, began hostilities in the Campaign for Atlanta. After Wheeler’s cavalry was driven from Tunnel Hill, it withdrew to Mill Creek Gap. During the next 5 days, Federal attempts to take Dalton were unsuccessful.