General Sherman sent word via telegraph to General Corse, who was in command of the garrison at Rome. Corse, who had distinguished himself in early October at the Battle of Allatoona Pass, was to begin destroying anything in Rome that had or could have military value to the Confederates. The most important items of military value were the Noble Foundry and the Rail Road. The Foundry was destroyed with explosive charges and the remainder of the majority of the city was put to the torch. While many buildings were not designated as being of military value, some were set on fire by over zealous soldiers and others burned because of their proximity to military targets. By morning there were very few buildings still standing. The ones that survived were isolated from the main part of town that burned. The Federals destroyed two train depots and a warehouse as well as a livery stable still containing horses. As Corse and his men moved south to rendezvous with the remainder of Sherman’s Army, they began to destroy the railroad.
In Atlanta, Sherman’s Chief Engineer, Capt. Orlando Poe, was busy at work destroying anything of military value and was focusing much attention on the railroad and its related facilities. Poe had built a battering ram with an iron bar that was just over 21 feet long and suspended from a ten foot tall wooden suspension system. This was used to destroy the round house and depot. Some buildings were also rigged with explosives to be set off upon their departure. In five days, as the Federals leave Atlanta, it will be nothing more that a smoldering ruin.
Downtown Rome, Georgia. Noble Foundry, which produced arms, including cannons, once stood on the site of what is now Southeaster Mills. Here at First St. and Broad St. In this image the Broad Street bridge crosses the Etowah River and the factory to the right is former location of Noble Foundry. Taken from the top of the hill at Myrtle Hill Cemetery near the Confederate Monument.The First Presbyterian Church of Rome is one of the few remaining period structures from the Civil War in Rome. It was used by the Federal occupation forces as a warehouse for food and supplies. Federal troops also poured molasses down the organ pipes and removed the pews to build horse stalls.Remains of some earthworks at Fort Norton, which sits upon Civic Center Hill in Rome and is part of a city park with walking trails. This fort was one of three forts used to protect Rome and manufacturing facilities from the Federals. Remnants of earthworks at Fort Norton, Rome Ga.The railroad the lead from Rome through Kingston to Cartersville. General Corse used this railroad to reinforce Allatoona Pass in October of 1864. As the order was given to abandon Rome, the Federals destroyed most of the city and as they marched east to link up with other Federal forces to move towards Atlanta, they destroyed as much of the railroad as possible.
After playing cat and mouse with General Hood in North Georgia during October, General Sherman stopped the chase and established his headquarters in Kingston Ga. From here, he was in a position to lash out at Hood if he reentered North Georgia, and he could also direct and finalize the logistical components of his March to the Sea.
Sherman had ordered the removal of all civilians in Atlanta and had also directed that all military personnel not going on the March to the Sea, should return to Chattanooga and other parts north. Civilians not wanting to travel north, were transported to Rough and Ready where they were transferred through to the Confederate lines. Sherman also ordered all the excess equipment and unnecessary war material to be sent back to the Federal lines in the north and that anything that could be of any possible military value to the Confederates was to be rendered useless and destroyed. Once the last train had left Atlanta, the railroad was to be destroyed as well as the telegraph lines. This would completely cut off General Sherman from any support until he reached the coast and could be resupplied by the Federal Navy.
The Kingston Museum houses artifacts from the early years of the town and from the Civil War.Downtown Kingston is mostly empty now, with only a few businesses operating and many buildings boarded up.Looking west along the railroad tracks through Kingston towards Rome, Ga. These tracks were an important supply route and were also the route General Corse took as he went to reinforce the fort at Allatooan Pass.The Kingston Methodist Church is the only Church in Kingston to have survived the burning of the town in November of 1864. After the Federal Army had left for their March to the Sea, the Church was open to all denominations as a house of worship, which fostered a great sense of community within the towns people.
Late on the evening of the 4th, along the way from Acworth to Allatoona, French’s Division crossed Allatoona Creek. The railroad crossed the same creek and near the bridge was a Blockhouse occupied by a small garrison of Federals. French assigned the 4th Mississippi of Sear’s Brigade, along with one artillery piece, to stay behind and capture the blockhouse.
French’s Division continued on with the assistance of a local guide and around 3:00am on the 5th they reached point about 1200 yards from the pass called Moore’s Hill (Allatoona Landing Marina and Campground). On this hill he place 11 cannons and ordered two infantry regiments to stay and support them. Not wanting to attack directly across open ground through the village and along the railroad tracks, French made a flanking movement to the west allowing him to be in a better position for the attack. The terrain was very difficult to traverse, with dense woods and steep sided ravines. At one point French stopped to rest his men who had been in constant motion for two days. French’s Division did not gain their position on the ridge west of the Federals until after day break. Throughout the night the Confederates could hear train cars arriving in the pass. General Corse had arrived with reinforcements.
After the Confederates abandoned Allatoona Pass in the spring, Sherman had made it his “second Chattanooga”, meaning that it was his second most important supply depot. A warehouse was built to store supplies for the Federal Army and to protect it, Sherman ordered his Chief Engineer, Orlando Poe, to construct fortifications at the pass. Poe constructed several earth forts. The Eastern Redoubt was on a knoll on the eastern side of the pass and to the east of the Tennessee Road. There were several cannons in the redoubt along with infantry. There was a line of infantry trenches that faced north and moved west from the redoubt to the Tennessee Road. They crossed the road on high ground and went all the way to the edge of the pass. West of the pass and situated on the high ground, was the Star Fort. It also contained artillery and infantry. The fort gets its name from its shape. There are infantry trenches around the fort and moving west from the pass on the north side of the fort. The hillside is also covered with rifle pits. West of the Star Fort, spanning the Cartersville Road, was Rowett’s Redoubt. There were several cannons as well as infantry positioned here. Rowett’s Redoubt was facing west and would take the initial brunt of the attack.
After being reinforced, the Federals were able to man their position with just under 2000 soldiers. The Confederates had arrived with around 3200 soldiers, but had been on the move for two days. The Federals may have been outnumbered, but they held a strong position on the high ground and a large number of the infantry were armed with the new Henry Repeating Rifle, giving them the advantage in firepower.
French sent Sear’s Brigade to the North, where they were to attack the pass from the north west. Cockrell’s Brigade was west of Rowett’s Redoubt, they were spread across the ridge from north to south. Ector’s Brigade was supporting Cockrell’s on the left, stretching north. Ector’s Brigade was being commanded by General William Young.
After the deployment of his troops, French, sent a message to the General Corse stating that he was out numbered and asking the Federals to surrender. Corse declined to surrender. Upon the refusal to surrender, the order to attack was given. Cockrell’s Brigade advanced from the west and quickly took the first line of Federal works. They were stalled at the second line until Ector’s Brigade moved up in support and they were able to carry the second line. They fought their way to the third line of works and engaged the Federals in hand to hand combat with muskets as clubs, bayonets striking and stabbing and even rocks were used. Amidst the heavy fire coming from the Star Fort, the Confederates were able to make it within several yards of the prize.
Sear’s Brigade attacked from the north and moved south astride the railroad and up the steep hill towards the Star Fort on the western side and the toward the trench lines on the eastern side. For a short time, Sear’s Brigade, was slowed down by enfilading fire from the Eastern Redoubt, but were able to rally and press forward.
Ammunition was starting to run low for both sides. During the hot conflict at the Star Fort, they started to run out of ammunition for the artillery. Volunteers, ran under intense fire, across a small foot bridge that crossed the pass some 90′ in the air and ran to the Eastern Redoubt to retrieve ammunition and carry it by hand back to the Star Fort. Several were shot off of the bridge. The Federals were on the verge of collapsing under the pressure of French’s assault.
Around noon, French received word that Federal Cavalry was approaching and were currently in Big Shanty some eight miles away. With his supply wagons nearly a mile from the front, French felt he could not resupply his assault force in time to capture the forts and then be able to withstand an attack from Cavalry. French called off his assault and began to withdraw from the field. The fight was over and the Federals were relieved as they were on the verge of breaking and being overrun. French’s forces withdrew and marched back towards New Hope Church to link up with the remainder of the Confederate Army.
They Battle of Allatoona Pass is often over looked and glossed over, but it was one of the most fierce engagements of the war with casualty rate of 33% in only a few short hours. The casualty rate at Gettysburg was 32.5% over a three day period. Chickamauga had a casualty rate of 27.5% over two days. The Clayton House, which still stands today, is visible in the period image by George Barnard. It sits just south of the Star Fort and across from the rail road. It was used as a headquarters for the garrison and during the battle the house was used for a hospital. I was able to tour the home and witness the scars of battle that still exist. There are multiple bullet holes in the walls and in the room used for amputations, there is a fairly large blood stain still on the floor where it soaked in to the wood.
If you would like a more detailed description of the battle along with information and stories from personal accounts, I highly suggest reading The Battle of Allatoon Pass by Brad Butkovich. It is a very well written book on the battle.
The railroad originally crossed Allatoona Creek here where Old U.S. 41 and I-75 cross Allatoona Lake. On the hill to the left, being the north side of the creek, stood the Block House where the 4th Miss. was to attack and capture the position.A small section of the remaining earthworks that surrounded the Block House.A period image of Allatoona Pass by George Barnard. Note the house on the left side of the frame as well as the Star Fort on the hill to the left of the railroad cut. Allatoona Pass 150 years to the day after the battle. Note the Clayton House still standing on the left of the frame. The hill side to the right of the frame is a levy for Lake Allatoona.The railroad cut at Allatoona Pass. Nearly 90 feet deep from the top of the cut and was spanned by a small footbridge during the battle. Soldiers would run from the Star Fort on the western side of the cut, across the bridge, to get ammunition from the Eastern Redoubt.Looking into the Eastern Redoubt. While the Star Fort bore the brunt of the assault, the Eastern Redoubt was engaged as well and at one point they were able to suppress the Confederate assault to their west with enfilading fire, but the Confederates pushed forward under the fire to cover.Gun port in the wall of the Eastern Redoubt.Looking east along a section of earthworks that stretches from the Tennessee Road along the northern side of the high ground and extending to the Eastern Redoubt.This images is looking south along the Tennessee Road. A period wagon road that now serves as part of the hiking trail in the park.The end of the earthworks that extended from the Eastern Redoubt to the Tennessee Road.Remains of earthworks at the top of the cut on the eastern side. These works sit between the Tennessee Road and the cut.Looking out the “Sally Port” of the Star Fort. The Star Fort sits on the high ground to the west of the railroad cut and saw the heaviest fighting of the battle. The Confederates nearly made it to the fort and were stopped short several yard away. A period images that shows the “Sally Port” to the Star Fort. The landscape has changed a great deal in 150 years.Remnants of the Star Forts walls.The Clayton House was used as the Headquarters for the Federals that occupied Allatoona Pass and during the battle it was pressed into service as a hospital.Each of these flags in the wall marks a bullet hole from the Battle of Allatoona Pass.On the second floor of the Clayton House and hidden under a rug, are blood stains left over from the rooms use as a surgery suite.
After learning of the impending attack on Jonesboro and the railroad by the Federals, Hood dispatched Hardee’s Corps and S.D. Lee’s Corps to Jonesboro to protect the railroad.
By mid afternoon, both Hardee’s Corps and S.D. Lee’s Corps were in place at Jonesboro. Hardee deployed with his corps to the left and as he was in overall command of the operations, Cleburne was commanding the corps. Cleburne deployed with Lowery’s Division to the left and Brown’s Division to the Right. He held Maney’s Division in reserve. S.D. Lee’s Corps was deployed to the right of the Confederate line. Stevenson’s Division was on his left adjacent to Hardee’s right and Clayton was on the far right of the Confederate line. Stovall’s and Higley’s Brigades were held in reserve and were later moved forward to the left of S.D. Lee’s lines.
Hardee’s plan was to have Cleburne advance and wheel to their right(north) and attack the Federal right flank. Once they were engaged and the Federals shifted troops to protect the flank, their center would be weakened and then S.D. Lee’s Corp’s would initiate a full frontal assault on the Federal Lines.
Howard deployed his Federals on high ground between the Flint River and Jonesboro. He placed Logan’s XV Corps on the Federal left where they were facing the railroad and the town of Jonesboro. Ransom’s XVI Corps was deployed to the Federal right in a “refuse” in the line connected with Logan’s right and turned back west toward the Flint River and across it. Blair’s XVII Corps was held in reserve.
At 3:00pm Hardee ordered the attack to begin. As the advance began, Lowery’s Division made contact with Kilpatricks Federal Cavalry and was able to push them back rapidly across the Flint River. Lowery’s Division was moving so fast that they were not able to maintain contact with Brown’s Division. Brown’s Division struggled to advance through swampy terrain and a deep ravine. As they were unsupported on their left, Brown’s Division suffered heavy losses from the entrenched Federals on the high ground above the ravine.
S.D. Lee, who had only been in command of a Corps for about a month, ordered an all out assault at the first sounds of rifle fire from Cleburne. His inexperience caused him to attack too quickly and before the Federals could shift troops to the flank that was under attack. So, when Lee’s Corp attacked, they engaged the fully fortified and full strength lines of Logan’s Corps. Lee’s Corps over ran the Federal skirmishers, but were repeatedly repulsed by the Federal main line. Lee suffered heavy losses.
While the Battle of Jonesboro ensued. Schofield’s XXIII Corps and Stanley’s IV Corps reached the Western and Atlantic railroad south of Rough and Ready. After a short skirmish with some Confederate Cavalry, they began destroying the railroad.
Hood, still not convinced that this was the main attack and thinking it was only a diversion, was anticipating an attack on Atlanta. Without knowing the status of the battle in Jonesboro. Hood orders S.D. Lee’s Corps back to Atlanta thinking he is going to be attacked. Around midnight, Lee’s Corps, beaten, crippled, and worn out begins the long march back to Atlanta.
General Hardee marched his Corps (CS) to Jonesboro from train stop called Rough and Ready (now called Mountain View, located east of the Atlanta Airport between I-75 and I-285). Looking south along what was the Macon & Western Railroad. Hardee’s Corps (CS) marched down what is now US Hwy 41 and followed it south towards Jonesboro.In the early morning hours, lead elements of Hardee’s Corps (CS) marching south, encountered a Federal picket line at a bridge over a creek near Chambers’ Mill. The decision was made not to engage in a night fight and Hardee’s Corps (CS) turned left (east) onto a farm road that is now Battle Creek Rd. They continued their march east then when reaching the road to Morrow’s Station, which ran parallel to the Macon & Western Railroad, they turned south and entered Jonesboro.Logan’s 15th Corps of General Howard’s Army of the Tennessee (US) was positioned along this high ground between Jonesboro and the Flint River to their rear. Today, Hynds Springs Road follows what was the Federal line manned by Harrow’s Division of Logan’s 15th Corps.Corse’s Division of Ransom’s 16th Corps, Army of the Tennessee (US), joined the right of Harrow’s Division at a point near a deep ravine and formed a refused line back to the west and across the Flint River. The line was hear along what is now Magnolia Dr. The deep ravine that hampered Cleburne’s (CS) advance on the Federals, proved to be a tactical advantage for Corse’s Division.To Harrow’s left was Hazen’s Division of Logan’s 15th Corps (US). Their lines connected at the intersection of Hwy 138 and Hynds Spring Rd. A Strip mall now stands where Hazen’s soldier had there trenches. S. D. Lee’s(CS) assault on the Federal lines happen here and against Harrow’s Division aligned along Hynds Springs Rd.This heavily wood area is the deep ravine that is marked on battlefield maps and greatly hampered the assault of Hardee’s Corps which was under the command of General Cleburne. The Confederates suffered greatly in the deep ravine.Looking north up Hwy 41 from Veterans Pkwy. The Confederate assault came from camera right moving to the left. Cleburne, commanding Hardee’s Corps, moved from his works here to attack the refused angle of the Federal line. In order to do so he wheeled his forces to the right and move to the north. This area at Fayetteville Road and W. Mill St. is the approximate location of the pivot point where Clerburne’s line joined S.D. Lee’s line.Positioned to Cleburne’s (CS) right was S. D. Lee’s Corps(CS). They moved from their lines in this area along Fayetteville Road and North Ave., to assault the Federal 15th Corps. Looking north along Fayetteville Road the Confederates moved from right to left (east to west).During Cleburne’s assault on the refused Federal line, several brigades of Lowrey’s Division(CS) encountered Kilpatricks Cavalry (US), protecting the Federal right flank. Those Confederate brigades were able to drive Kilpatrick back across the Flint River at this point. The loss of these brigades to driving back Kilpatrick, reduced the number of soldiers for the main assault on the Federal line and along with the deep ravine encountered by the remainder of Cleburne’s command, prevented a successful Confederate assault.
November 10th, 1864 General Sherman sent word via telegraph to General Corse, who was in command of the garrison at Rome. Corse, who had distinguished himself in early October at the Battle of Allatoona Pass, was to begin destroying anything in Rome that had or could have military value to the Confederates. The most important items of military value were the Noble Foundry and the Rail Road. The Foundry was destroyed with explosive charges and the remainder of the majority of the city was put to the torch. While many buildings were not designated as being of military value, some were set on fire by over zealous soldiers and others burned because of their proximity to military targets. By morning there were very few buildings still standing. The ones that survived were isolated from the main part of town that burned. The Federals destroyed two train depots and a warehouse as well as a livery stable still containing horses. As Corse and his men moved south to rendezvous with the remainder of Sherman’s Army, they began to destroy the railroad. In Atlanta, Sherman’s Chief Engineer, Capt. Orlando Poe, was busy at work destroying anything of military value and was focusing much attention on the railroad and its related facilities. Poe had built a battering ram with an iron bar that was just over 21 feet long and suspended from a ten foot tall wooden suspension system. This was used to destroy the round house and depot. Some buildings were also rigged with explosives to be set off upon their departure. In five days, as the Federals leave Atlanta, it will be nothing more that a smoldering ruin.
October 5th, 1864: The Battle of Allatoona Pass Late on the evening of the 4th, along the way from Acworth to Allatoona, French’s Division crossed Allatoona Creek. The railroad crossed the same creek and near the bridge was a Blockhouse occupied by a small garrison of Federals. French assigned the 4th Mississippi of Sear’s Brigade, along with one artillery piece, to stay behind and capture the blockhouse. French’s Division continued on with the assistance of a local guide and around 3:00am on the 5th they reached point about 1200 yards from the pass called Moore’s Hill (Allatoona Landing Marina and Campground). On this hill he place 11 cannons and ordered two infantry regiments to stay and support them. Not wanting to attack directly across open ground through the village and along the railroad tracks, French made a flanking movement to the west allowing him to be in a better position for the attack. The terrain was very difficult to traverse, with dense woods and steep sided ravines. At one point French stopped to rest his men who had been in constant motion for two days. French’s Division did not gain their position on the ridge west of the Federals until after day break. Throughout the night the Confederates could hear train cars arriving in the pass. General Corse had arrived with reinforcements. After the Confederates abandoned Allatoona Pass in the spring, Sherman had made it his “second Chattanooga”, meaning that it was his second most important supply depot. A warehouse was built to store supplies for the Federal Army and to protect it, Sherman ordered his Chief Engineer, Orlando Poe, to construct fortifications at the pass. Poe constructed several earth forts. The Eastern Redoubt was on a knoll on the eastern side of the pass and to the east of the Tennessee Road. There were several cannons in the redoubt along with infantry. There was a line of infantry trenches that faced north and moved west from the redoubt to the Tennessee Road. They crossed the road on high ground and went all the way to the edge of the pass. West of the pass was and situated on the high ground, was the Star Fort. It also contained artillery and infantry. The for gets it’s name from it’s shape. There are infantry trenches around the fort and moving west from the pass on the north side of the fort. The hillside is also covered with rifle pits. West of the Star Fort, spanning the Cartersville Road, was Rowett’s Redoubt. There were several cannons as well as infantry positioned here. Rowett’s Redoubt was facing west and take the initial brunt of the attack. After being reinforced, the Federals were able to man their position with just under 2000 personnel. The Confederates had arrived with around 3200 soldiers, but had been on the move two days. The Federals may have been outnumbered, but they held a strong position on the high ground and a large number of the infantry were armed with the new Henry Repeating Rifle, giving them the advantage in firepower. French sent Sear’s Brigade to the North, where they were to attack the pass from the north west. Cockrell’s Brigade was west of Rowett’s Redoubt, they were spread across the ridge from north to south. Ector’s Brigade was supporting Cockrell’s on the left, stretching north. Ector’s Brigade was being commanded by General William Young. After the deployment of his troops, French, sent a message to the General Corse stating that he was out numbered and asking the Federals to surrender. Corse declined to surrender. Upon the refusal to surrender, the order to attack was given. Cockrell’s Brigade advanced from the west and quickly took the first line of Federal works. They were stuck at the second line until Ector’s Brigade moved up in support and they were able to carry the second line. They fought their way to the third line of works and engaged the Federals in hand to hand combat with muskets as clubs, bayonets striking and stabbing and even rocks were used. Amidst the heavy fire coming from the Star Fort, the Confederates were able to make it within several yards of the prize. Sear’s Brigade attacked from the north and moved south astride the railroad and up the steep hill towards the Star Fort on the western side and the toward the trench lines on the eastern side. For a short time, Sear’s Brigade, was slowed down by enfilading fire from the Eastern Redoubt, but were able to rally and press forward. Ammunition was starting to run low for both sides. During the hot conflict at the Star Fort, the started to run out of ammunition for the artillery. Volunteers, ran under intense fire, across a small foot bridge that crossed the pass some 90′ in the air and ran to the Eastern Redoubt to retrieve ammunition and carry it by hand back to the Star Fort. Several were shot off of the bridge. They Federals were on the verge of collapsing under the pressure of French’s assault. Around noon, French received word that Federal Cavalry was approaching and were currently in Big Shanty some eight miles away. With his supply wagons nearly a mile from the front, French felt he could not resupply his assault force in time to capture the forts and then be able to withstand an attack from Cavalry. French called off his assault and began to withdraw from the field. They fight was over and they Federals were relieved as they on the verge of breaking and being overrun. French’s forces withdrew and marched back towards New Hope Church to link up with the remainder of the Confederate Army. They Battle of Allatoona Pass is often over looked and glossed over, but it was one of the most fierce engagements of the war with casualty rate of 33% in only a few short hours. The casualty rate at Gettysburg was 32.5% over a three day period. Chickamauga had a casualty rate of 27.5% over two days. The Clayton House, which still stands today, is visible in the period image by George Barnard. It sits just south of the Star Fort and across from the rail road. It was used as a headquarters for the garrison and during the battle the house was used for a hospital. I was able to tour the home today and witness the scars of battle that still exist. There are multiple bullet holes in the walls and in the room used for amputations, there is a fairly large blood stain still on the floor where it soaked in to the wood. If you would like a more detailed description of the battle along with information and stories from personal accounts, I highly suggest reading The Battle of Allatoon Pass by Brad Butkovich. It is a very well written book on the battle.
War Was Here 