Battle of Rocky Face Ridge

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Battle of Rocky Face Ridge
Combats at Buzzard Roost, Mill Creek, Dug Gap
Began:

May 7, 1864

Ended:

May 13, 1864

Location:

Whitfield County, Georgia

Theater:

Western Theater

Campaign:

Atlanta Campaign

Outcome:

Union victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

Military Division of
the Mississippi

Army of Tennessee

Commanders

William T. Sherman
Major General, USA

Joseph E. Johnston
General, CSA

Strength
Casualties
  

Gen. Joseph E. Johnston had entrenched his army on the long, high mountain of Rocky Face Ridge and eastward across Crow Valley. As Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman approached, he decided to demonstrate against the position with two columns while he sent a third one through Snake Creek Gap, to the right, to hit the Western & Atlantic Railroad at Resaca. The two columns engaged the enemy at Buzzard Roost (Mill Creek Gap) and at Dug Gap. In the meantime, the third column, under Maj. Gen. James Birdseye McPherson, passed through Snake Creek Gap and on the 9th advanced to the outskirts of Resaca where it found Confederates entrenched. Fearing defeat, McPherson pulled his column back to Snake Creek Gap. On the 10th, Sherman decided to take most of his men and join McPherson to take Resaca. The next morning, Sherman’ s army withdrew from in front of Rocky Face Ridge. Discovering Sherman’s movement, Johnston retired south towards Resaca on the 12th. Union casualties were high, but they did force the Confederates off Rocky Face Ridge. (NPS summary)