Tag: Red Oak

August 29th, 1864

August 29th, 1864:

The Federal Army, having reached the West Point railroad at Red Oak and Fairburn on the previous day, spend the 29th destroying 12.5 miles of track stretching as far south as Palmetto.  They burned the ties and lay the track across them to heat them and then bend them around trees.  They fill the railroad cuts with trees, rocks, dirt, and in some cases they rig up artillery shells in the debris to explode if material is moved.  There is also a great deal of looting and pillaging of the local populace.  Livestock and food stuffs are taken along with anything the looters deem useful.  Some things are destroyed just for fun.  On the night of the 29th, Sherman issues marching orders for the next day.  In the morning they will begin moving toward Jonesboro.

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Atlanta – West Point Railroad looking south towards Fairburn. 
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Fairburn Georgia as it stands today.  Much of the town and local farms were looted during the two days that Federal forces spent here destroying the railroad prior to their movement to Jonesboro.
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The Atlanta – West Point Railroad at Red Oak.  Looking north from mile marker 14 toward the Confederate held East Point.  The Federals destroyed over 12 miles of track in two days time between East Point and Fairburn and further south to Palmetto.