On Aug 6, 1864, the ridge just south, then densely wooded, was fortified and held by Gen. W. B. Bate's division of Hardee's A.C. of the CSA. It extended west from the Atlanta to East Point works and blocked further Federal moves toward the railroads. To eliminate this barrier, Cox's division of the 23rd A.C. of the US assaulted Bate's position in an action known as the Battle of Utoy Creek. Strongly posted with abatis and head-logs, Bate withstood the frontal attack until forced to withdraw when his left was assailed from the direction of Cascade Springs. Fighting in the ranks of the Confederate defenders of the ridge was Kentucky's famous Orphan Brigade.