Welcome to the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a historic site where the past comes alive through the echoes of a pivotal Civil War battle. Let’s step back in time to the mid-19th century when this area was a bustling hub for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The town of Allatoona, established in 1838, was strategically located along Allatoona Creek, serving as a transportation crossroads and a mining community.
In April 1862, this pass witnessed the daring Great Locomotive Chase, where Union sympathizers attempted to disrupt the Confederate supply lines by commandeering a steam locomotive called the General. This audacious raid highlighted the strategic importance of the railroads that crisscrossed this region.
Fast forward to October 5, 1864, when the Battle of Allatoona Pass unfolded here. Following the fall of Atlanta, Confederate forces aimed to sever Union supply lines by capturing this pass. Around 5,000 soldiers clashed fiercely, resulting in one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, with over 30% casualties. Union General John M. Corse, despite being outnumbered and wounded, famously signaled ‘Hold the fort’ to his superior, General Sherman, a phrase that became legendary.
Today, as you walk the Allatoona Pass Trail, you’ll encounter well-preserved earthworks and trenches, providing a tangible link to this historic battle. The Memorial Field honors the soldiers who fought here, with stone markers representing the regiments from both the Union and Confederate armies. The Clayton-Mooney house, used as a Union headquarters and hospital, still bears the scars of war, with visible bullet holes and bloodstains.
Explore the Star Fort, reached via a steep staircase off the main trail, and imagine the soldiers’ determination as they fortified their positions. The trail itself follows the original railroad bed, a testament to the area’s past as a vital transportation route.
The Allatoona Pass Battlefield is not just a site of historical significance; it is a reminder of the resilience and tenacity of those who fought here. As you traverse the serene landscape, take a moment to reflect on the stories of bravery and sacrifice that define this place.
