Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign

Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign examines a pivotal Civil War battle that took place in Georgia during the summer of 1864. The book focuses on the June 27 assault by Union forces against Confederate defenses on Kennesaw Mountain, where General William T. Sherman faced off against General Joseph E. Johnston. Earl J. Hess reconstructs the battle through official records, soldiers' accounts, and extensive research of the terrain and archaeological evidence. The narrative covers the strategic decisions of both armies' commanders while also capturing the experiences of ordinary soldiers who fought in the difficult mountain terrain. The book places the battle within the broader context of Sherman's campaign to capture Atlanta, examining how this engagement affected both sides' military operations and morale. Maps and photographs help readers understand the complex geography that shaped the fighting. This military history goes beyond tactics and strategy to explore themes of leadership, the human cost of war, and the challenge of maintaining offensive momentum in difficult terrain. The book contributes to Civil War scholarship by analyzing how this lesser-known battle influenced the crucial Atlanta Campaign.

Readers view this as a detailed tactical study focused on the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and its place in the Atlanta Campaign. Readers appreciated: - Maps and visuals that clarify troop movements - Coverage of the terrain's impact on strategy - Personal accounts from soldiers - Research on lesser-known units and commanders Common criticisms: - Too much focus on minor details and unit positions - Lack of broader strategic context - Limited discussion of civilian experiences - Minimal coverage of events before and after the battle Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) One reader noted: "Provides the clearest explanation I've seen of why Sherman chose a frontal assault." Another commented: "Gets bogged down in regiment-by-regiment movements that may only interest serious military historians." The book resonates most with readers seeking an in-depth military analysis rather than a general overview of the campaign.

Bloody Spring by Stephen Sears The campaign from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor parallels Sherman's advance with similar tactical challenges and command decisions.

The Battle of Peach Tree Creek by Earl J. Hess This battle represents a crucial moment in the Atlanta Campaign with detailed coverage of the Confederate attacks against Sherman's forces.

War in Kentucky by Kent Masterson Brown The 1862 Kentucky Campaign illuminates many of the same logistical and geographical challenges faced in the Atlanta Campaign.

The Petersburg Campaign by Edwin C. Bearss The siege operations and maneuver warfare around Petersburg mirror the strategic chess match between Sherman and Johnston.

Mountains Touched with Fire by Wiley Sword The Chattanooga Campaign sets the stage for Sherman's Atlanta operations with similar terrain and tactical considerations.

🌟 Though the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was technically a Confederate victory, it ultimately failed to stop Sherman's advance toward Atlanta, which fell just two months later. 🌟 Author Earl J. Hess is a prolific Civil War historian who has written over 20 books about the conflict, particularly focusing on military innovations and battlefield tactics. 🌟 The battle featured the largest frontal assault of Sherman's entire Atlanta Campaign, with approximately 13,000 Union soldiers participating in the main attack. 🌟 Despite being one of the bloodiest battles of the Atlanta Campaign with over 4,000 casualties, Kennesaw Mountain is often overshadowed by other Civil War battles in popular history. 🌟 The site of the battle is now Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which preserves 2,965 acres and includes nearly 20 miles of interpretive hiking trails that follow the original battle lines.