On May 18, 1864, the three corps of the Confederate army, after reaching Adairsville from Resaca, moved by two roads to Cassville. Hood's and Polk's corps marched south on old U.S. 41 Highway, while Hardee's corps took the direct road to Kingston west and parallel to the railroad. Units of Maj. Gen. S.G. French's division and Brig. Gen. W.H. Jackson's cavalry joined Polk's corps here and at Cassville. The march by two roads was intended to facilitate troop movement and to divide Sherman's forces during his advance.