Battle of Peachtree Creek

Other Names: None

Location: Fulton County, Georgia

Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)

Date:  July 20, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas [US]; Gen. John B. Hood [CS]

Forces Engaged: Army of the Cumberland [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Casualties and losses: 6,506 total (US 1,710; CS 4,796)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, the Army of Tennessee had retired south of Peachtree Creek, an east to west flowing stream, about three miles north of Atlanta. Sherman split his army into three columns for the assault on Atlanta with George H. Thomas's Army of the Cumberland moving from the north. Johnston had decided to attack Thomas, but Confederate President Jefferson Davis relieved him of command and appointed John B. Hood to take his place. Hood attacked Thomas after his army crossed Peachtree Creek. The determined assault threatened to overrun the Union troops at various locations. Ultimately, though, the Yankees held, and the Rebels fell back. The Union lines had bent but not broken under the weight of the Confederate attack, and by the end of the day the Rebels had failed to break through anywhere along the line. Hood withdrew into defenses of Atlanta the following day, 21 July.