On July 17, 1864, the march of Dodge's corps south from the road fork at Providence Church in Dunwoody was opposed by Colonel Geo. G. Dibrell's brigade of Wheeler's cavalry, C.S. After a sharp skirmish, the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry drove Dibrell across the creek and beyond Old Cross Keys. Dodge made contact with Cox's division, 23d A.C., approaching Old Cross Keys on the road from Sandy Springs, and also with Blair's 17th A.C. at Shallow Ford Road two miles upstream, after which Dodge camped for the night on both sides of the creek. Dodge's column thus maintained contact between the left and center of the Federal forces.