“Ever wonder what it was like during the Battle of Atlanta? Today we stand at Cheatham’s Salient. This spot was a critical point in Atlanta’s defense.
Cheatham’s Salient marks a key angle in Atlanta’s outer defense line. The line stretched from Casey’s Hill. It ran parallel to Highland Avenue. Then it went to the Georgia Railroad.
On July 18 1864 Confederate General Stevenson’s division occupied this angle. These were part of Cheatham’s Army Corps. Hood once commanded them.
For two days fierce fighting raged here. On July 19 and 20 these Confederate troops faced attacks. Federal forces from the 4th and 23rd Army Corps advanced from the north and east.
Meanwhile other Confederate forces attacked. Hardee’s and Stewart’s Army Corps struck Thomas’ army. The fighting took place in the Peachtree Creek valley.
On the night of July 21 Cheatham withdrew his troops. They moved to Atlanta’s inner defenses. That same night Hardee and Wheeler marched south. Their mission was to attack McPherson’s forces. These Union soldiers were positioned in east Atlanta. The attack occurred on July 22.
After Cheatham’s withdrawal the Union forces advanced. The 4th and 23rd Army Corps moved to the siege line. The siege of Atlanta tightened.
Cheatham’s Salient represents a pivotal moment. It shows the intense struggle for Atlanta. It highlights the strategic importance of this location. Take a moment to reflect on the soldiers who fought here. Think about the events that shaped Atlanta’s history. This was a key position in the Battle for Atlanta. Its capture led to the fall of the city soon after. The fighting here changed Atlanta forever.
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