Geary’s Refused Line

On July 20, 1864, Geary’s 20th A.C. division of the U.S., including Candy’s, Ireland’s, and Jones’ brigades, was massed on this ridge in parallel lines on old Collier Road, with its front four hundred yards eastward. Sent forward in a reconnaissance in force, it was not deployed, and because it stood several hundred yards in advance of the other two divisions, the position lacked support. A surprise attack by O’Neal’s Confederate force struck Geary’s right flank, causing him to refuse his line on a left pivot down the slope to and beyond the deep ravine to the north, where it joined the left of Williams’ division on a ridge. O’Neal’s assault and Scott’s Confederate attack at Collier’s Mill were critical moments of the battle.

Atlanta, Georgia · United States