001 - Foreword

The Federal drive on Atlanta in May 1864 marked the beginning of the end for the Southern Confederacy. The Atlanta Campaign was not only crucial for its military and political outcomes, but it also transformed the nature of warfare itself. Centered around a vital transportation hub, both Union and Confederate forces relied heavily on rail lines to mobilize and sustain their troops. Richard McMurry’s remarkable account draws upon unpublished letters and diaries, revealing the personal motivations and experiences of those who fought in one of the wettest seasons in Georgias history. For four grueling months, soldiers faced the relentless heat and mud, living each day under the looming threat of death. This campaign culminated in the Unions capture of Atlanta, paving the way for Sherman’s “March to the Sea” and arguably ensuring Abraham Lincolns reelection, solidifying the Norths resolve to pursue victory rather than settle for compromise. A 1972 publication by the U.S. National Park Service, this work is enriched with helpful maps that illuminate this pivotal moment in American history.