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The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
June 27, 1864
A Major Battle in the Campaign for Atlanta
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UNION ASSAULT ON PIGEON HILL
Union attackers failed to split the Confederate army here...
On the morning of June 27, 1864, three brigades totaling 5,500 soldiers from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois charged toward Pigeon Hill. Advancing in battle lines astride Burnt Hickory Road, one Union brigade overran the Georgian-held rifle pits while two other brigades crossed Old Mountain Road.
Once beyond the road, the attack ran into felled trees and other Confederate-built obstacles on Pigeon Hill. As the Federals struggled over the obstructions and rough terrain, the well-entrenched Southerners opened fire with musketry and cannon; some Confederates on Little Kennesaw Mountain even heaved boulders. The Union troops sought cover as their assault crumbled.
By noon the Union forces had withdrawn to Old Mountain Road and after dark they returned to their lines. The assault cost the Federals more than 850 killed, wounded or missing soldiers; the Confederate casualties numbered about 250. (nps)
Sources
National Park Service
Castel, Albert. "The Campaign for Atlanta," National Park Civil War Series,' published by Eastern National Park & Monument Association. 1996.
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