Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site is a well preserved Civil War site a short drive northwest of Atlanta. Though the brief but bloody battle fought there is not widely known, it was a Confederate victory that slowed down the Union’s march toward Atlanta. The battlefield site is one of the best preserved Civil War sites in the country, where the original earthworks constructed by the troops can still be seen.

Malachi Pickett and his son, Benjamin, owned a farm and grist mill on the banks of Little Pumpkinvine Creek. In May of 1864, the family found itself in the path of Union troops who were advancing toward Atlanta from the northwest. Skirmishes between Union forces and Confederate troops had been taking place as Union forces pushed south from Chattanooga. On May 27, some 14,000 Union troops under the command of General Oliver O. Howard attempted to outflank the Confederate line at Pickett’s Mill.

They were met by 10,000 Confederate troops commanded by General Patrick Cleburne. The battle began at 5pm and continued into the night. Union forces initially attacked down a ravine, but Confederate troops fired on them from three directions on the ridge top. Union forces launched three attacks, but remained pinned down in the ravine. At sunrise the Confederate line still held their position on the ridge, and the Union forces were forced to retreat with heavy casualties. Approximately 1,200 Union soldiers and 500 Confederate troops were killed in the battle. The Confederate victory delayed the Union’s advance on Atlanta by a week, as troops had to be resupplied and moved north and east.

The state historic site includes four miles of trails that trace the route of the assault in the steep ravine. The trails lead past original earthwork entrenchments and artillery emplacements. They also lead past the site of the grist mill, the Brand house that once stood near the battlefield, and through thick pine forest. There is a short trail that leads to an 1850s log cabin that the park recently restored. The cabin, smokehouse, and corn crib were moved from their original nearby location and are now used for interpretive programs.

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site is located at 4432 Mt. Tabor Church Road in Dallas, Georgia. It is open Thursday through Saturday from 9am-5pm, and a small admission fee is charged. In addition to the trails, the 765-acre park includes a visitor center that has exhibits, Civil War artifacts, and a short film about the battle. There is also a picnic area near the park’s entrance. Visitors to the park may enjoy learning about the history of the Civil War battle that survivors referred to as “the Hell hole”.

By: J. Stamps

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J. Stamps, Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn and Suites Smyrna Georgia hotel . If you're looking for a great hotel in Atlanta, be a guest at this hotel in Atlanta-Galleria. It's located within walking distance of the Cobb-Galleria Convention. This Smyrna Georgia hotel also offers a broad range of services and amenities to make its guest’s stay exceptional. For more information visit: www.HAMPTONINNGALLERIA.COM