Snake Creek Gap

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May 9, 1864. Atlanta Campaign. At the orders of William T. Sherman (US), Army of the Tennessee under James B. McPherson moved through this gap south towards Resaca to the east. Objective was to seize Resaca and cut off line of retreat of Confederate Army of Tennessee under Joseph Johnston. At the time, Resaca was comparatively lightly held, and Johnston was engaged with the rest of Sherman's forces to the north at Dalton. For reasons not clearly explained, McPherson approached Resaca, then withdrew to the mouth of this gap. Alerted to the threat, Johnston was able to disengage at Dalton and concentrate at Resaca. Thought CS forces were forced to withdraw from Dalton, Sherman long lamented the opportunity lost to bag the entire Confederate army.