Dalton Civil War Battle

1864 field sketch of the Confederate fortifications near Dalton, Georgia
Photo: public domain, Library of Congress
From Vicksburg, Mississippi, Sherman launched a campaign to take the important railroad center at Meridian.
Continued Battle Description and Results
And, if the situation was favorable, to push on to Selma and threaten Mobile, in order to prevent the shipment of Confederate men and supplies.

To counter the threat, Confederate President Jefferson Davis ordered troops into the area. While these operations unfolded, Thomas determined to probe Gen. Johnston’s army in the hope that Johnston’s loss of two divisions, sent to reinforce Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk as he withdrew from Meridian to Demopolis, Alabama, would make him vulnerable.

Skirmishing and intense fighting occurred throughout the demonstration. At Crow Valley on the 25th, Union troops almost turned the Rebel right flank, but ultimately it held. On the 27th, Thomas’s army withdrew, realizing that Johnston was ready and able to counter any assault.

Results: Confederate victory
General Information
BulletLocation: Whitfield County
BulletCampaign: Demonstration on Dalton (1864)
BulletDates: February 22-27, 1864
BulletPrincipal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]
BulletForces Engaged: Army of the Cumberland [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]
BulletEstimated Casualties: Unknown
Visiting the Site Today
This February 1864 demonstration was a probing action rather than a full battle, meant to test Confederate strength before the main Atlanta Campaign opened that spring. Whitfield County carries more Civil War historical markers than any other county in Georgia, and several near Dug Gap and Crow Valley still mark the ground fought over here.
 

We use cookies to run this site and, with your consent, to measure traffic and site performance. Read our cookie policy.