Sherman s March on Atlanta

What History Doesn’t Tell You About Sherman’s March on Atlanta

Root History
Feb 10, 2025  UNITED STATES
What if everything you thought you knew about Sherman’s March on Atlanta was only half the story? Behind the well-documented battles and strategic maneuvers lies a tale of audacious gambles, bitter rivalries, and desperate decisions that shaped the fate of a divided nation. This isn’t just a story of Union triumph or Confederate resistance—it’s a high-stakes chess match where every move carried the weight of victory or ruin. From secret plans and bold gambits to devastating losses and shocking twists, we’ll uncover the untold layers of Sherman’s campaign that history books often overlook. Stay with us as we reveal what history doesn’t tell you about Sherman’s march to Atlanta—because the truth is more gripping than fiction.

By late 1863, the Confederacy was struggling to maintain its footing. Their morale and aspirations had been shattered following a series of Union triumphs, including their failed invasion of the North at Gettysburg and Ulysses S. Grant's remarkable victory at Chattanooga. This success allowed the Union to seize control of Tennessee, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two and dealing a significant blow to their war efforts. Meanwhile, despite challenges such as inflation and labor shortages, the Northern economy was thriving, and there was a growing sense of progress in the Union's war efforts. In 1864, Union General William T. Sherman believed that a decisive campaign in Confederate territory could bring the war to a close. By spring, he had received orders from Ulysses S. Grant to capture Atlanta, a city critical to the Confederate supply network and overall strategy. On May 7, Sherman and his troops crossed into Georgia and began advancing toward Confederate forces stationed at Rocky Face Ridge. These forces were commanded by the highly regarded and consistently successful General Joseph E. Johnston. As Sherman’s army approached Rocky Face Ridge, he dispatched a Union force under Major General James McPherson toward Resaca via Snake Creek Gap in an effort to sever Johnston’s supply line and block his retreat. While McPherson moved toward Resaca, other Union forces engaged Confederate troops at Rocky Face Ridge and Buzzard’s Roost on May 8. By May 9, McPherson’s column reached Resaca, where they encountered well-fortified Confederate positions.

On May 10, Sherman decided to strengthen McPherson’s forces by sending reinforcements from the Army of the Cumberland and the Army of the Ohio to Resaca. As fighting continued at Rocky Face Ridge, Johnston became aware of Sherman’s maneuvers and moved his troops toward Resaca on May 12. The first major clash of the Atlanta Campaign occurred on May 13 at the Battle of Resaca, in where Federal forces confronted Confederate troops in fierce combat. Upon McPherson’s arrival, Confederate cavalry launched an attack but were eventually pushed back as Union forces captured Bald Hill after heavy fighting. However, this victory was short-lived; fearing a counterattack by Johnston’s forces, McPherson withdrew his men to Snake Creek Gap—a decision that disappointed Sherman greatly. The next day, Sherman arrived at Resaca and ordered continuous attacks to keep the Confederates engaged while another division under Thomas W. Sweeney crossed the Ustanala River in an attempt to seize control of the railroad.