Second Battle of Dalton

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Second Battle of Dalton
Began:

August 14, 1864

Ended:

August 15, 1864

Location:

Whitfield County, Georgia

Theater:

Western Theater

Campaign:

Atlanta Campaign

Outcome:

Union victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

District of Etowah

Wheeler's Cavalry Corps

Commanders

James B. Steedman
Major General, USA

Joseph Wheeler
Major General, CSA

Strength
Casualties
  

Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler and his cavalry raided into North Georgia to destroy railroad tracks and supplies. They approached Dalton in the late afternoon of August 14 and demanded the surrender of the garrison. The Union commander, Col. Bernard Laibolt, refused to surrender and fighting ensued. Greatly outnumbered, the Union garrison retired to fortifications on a hill outside the town where they successfully held out, although the attack continued until after midnight. Skirmishing continued throughout the night. Around 5:00 am, on the 15th, Wheeler retired and became engaged with relieving infantry and cavalry under Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman’s command. Eventually, Wheeler withdrew. The contending forces’ reports vary greatly in describing the fighting, the casualties, and the amount of track and supplies captured and destroyed. This engagement was inconclusive, but since the Confederates withdrew, it may be termed a Union victory. (NPS summary)