Mill Creek Gap, otherwise known as Buzzard Roost, was a natural gateway through Rocky Face Ridge that Confederate forces at Dalton heavily fortified after their retreat from Missionary Ridge. On February 25, 1864, the Federal 14th A.C., Department of the Cumberland, moving by Tunnel Hill, attempted to seize the gap but was driven back by Stewart’s and Breckinridge’s divisions. At the same time, the gap was attacked from Crow Valley, east of Rocky Face, by Cruft’s and Baird’s divisions, which were repulsed by Hindman’s A.C. These Federal moves were prompted by rumors that Johnston’s command had reinforced Polk, facing Sherman’s forces at Meridian, Mississippi.