Battles & Campaigns · 1864
Battle of Resaca
Resaca, Georgia, USA
What happened
In the Atlanta campaign, Johnston pulled back from Dalton to Resaca, and Sherman followed and attacked. Attacks and counterattacks on 14 and 15 May were mostly driven back. When Union troops crossed the Oostanaula River and threatened his line of retreat, Johnston moved his army south.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle was inconclusive, but Sherman forced Johnston out of two strong positions. Sherman moved closer to Atlanta, a key Confederate railway and supply centre.
What came next
Sherman kept pushing south toward Atlanta, which Union troops entered on 2 September 1864.
Did you know?
The site is now preserved as the Resaca Battlefield State Historic Site.
Timeline
- 8 May 1864Union troops seize Snake Creek Gap.
- 14–15 May 1864Battle of Resaca.
- 27 June 1864Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
- 2 September 1864Union troops enter Atlanta.