In April 1864, while awaiting Federal moves on Dalton, a strong line of defensive works was built across Crow Valley. Beginning at the Signal Station on Rocky Face to the west, it crossed the road at this point and ascended the wooded hill to the east, where artillery was placed. Beyond a creek, the line reached a high ridge and then turned south across Ault’s Gap. North of the ridge and its prolongation stood Potato Hill, also called Picket Top, which was also fortified. From May 8 to 13, Stevenson’s division of Hood’s army corps occupied the line on the west, while on the east were portions of Hindman’s division under the temporary command of Hardee, whose headquarters were at Ault’s Mill.