July 2nd, 1864:
Realizing that his left flank is threatened, General Johnston begins to fall back from his formidable position at Kennesaw Mountain. As General Schofield continues his movement south, he has now moved behind the Confederate left flank by about 5 miles and is about 10 miles from Kennesaw. His column also threatens the railroad supply line to Johnston, by being only 4 miles away. Schofield also controls the Sandtown Road leading to the Chattahoochee River only 6 miles east. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee is also pushing around the Confederate left and moving toward the Chattahoochee River as well.
With this threat, Johnston has no choice but to fall back. He moves his army to a previously prepared line near the Smyrna Camp Ground. This line is only to be used to delay Sherman’s advance until the Confederate wagon train is safely across the Chattahoochee.
War Was Here 