Outer Defense Line

News of Federal crossings of the Chattahoochee on July 17, 1864 prompted the building of a defense line north and east of Atlanta by the forces of Gen. Hood, C.S.A., who assumed command on July 18. The east-west line crossed Howell Mill Rd. here. Gen. A.P. Stewart’s A. C. occupied this sector, with French’s division to the west on the army’s left flank at Casey’s Hill, Walthall’s at the center, and Loring’s to the east. On July 20, after line adjustment, Walthall’s division, astride Howell Mill Rd., moved north about 4 P.M. to attack the Federal 20th A. C., with Reynolds’ brigade west of the road and O’Neal’s east of it. Loring’s division, east of O’Neal, also attacked, while French’s division was held in reserve facing the 14th A. C.

Atlanta, Georgia · United States