The March to the Sea
On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman, (USA) began his destructive campaign for Savannah-- the March to the Sea. He divided his army (USA) into two wings. The left wing marched east from Atlanta in two columns, to feint at Augusta but to turn southeast and converge on Milledgeville.
The right wing (15th and 17th Corps), Maj. Gen O.O. Howard, (USA) marched south from White Hall (West End). The 15th Corps, Maj. Gen. P.J. Osterhaus, (USA) marched via Old Jonesboro Road. At Rough and Ready (11 miles NW), its advance guard skirmished with Iverson´s Cavalry (CSA). Near Stockbridge it was attacked by the ´Orphan Brigade´ of Kentucky mounted infantry (CSA), but after a sharp fight the Kentuckians were forced to retire. On its right, the 3rd Cavalry Division, Brig. Gen. J.L. Kilpatrick, (USA) marched down the Flint River to cover the right flank. The 17th Corps, Maj. Gen F.P. Blair (USA) marched from White Hall on the McDonough Road, with the 1st Alabama Cavalry (CSA) in advance. The 1st Missouri Engineers (with pontoon rain) and Kilpatrick´s supply train marched with this column.
That night, the 17th Corps camped astride this tributary of Cotton River with its advance near Stockbridge. Woods and Hazen´s divisions of the 15th Corps camped west of Stockbridge and south of the Jonesboro Road (State 138) on Blair´s right.
GHM 075-3 Georgia Historic Marker 1983
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.