Garrard's Cavalry Raid – GHM 044-82 – Old Decatur Courthouse, GA
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N 33° 46.497 W 084° 17.792
16S E 750351 N 3740487
Garrard was ordered to assemble his command and march to Covington (30 miles SE), to burn bridges over the Yellow and Ulcofauhachee (Alcovy) rivers and to destroy the railroad between Lithonia and the Alcovy.
Waymark Code: WM1XFB
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 07/27/2007
Views: 62
GARRARD'S CAVALRY RAID
On July 20, 1864, Union forces under Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman, USA, were closing in on Atlanta. Hq. 2nd Cavalry Division, Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard, was in Decatur. His three brigades were scattered from Decatur to Roswell, guarding bridges over the Chattahoochee River and picketing the left flank. That night, Garrard was ordered to assemble his command and march to Covington (30 miles SE), to burn bridges over the Yellow and Ulcofauhachee (Alcovy) rivers and to destroy the railroad between Lithonia and the Alcovy.
Garrard marched late on the 21st. He returned to Decatur on the 24th, after marching almost 90 miles. He destroyed 4 wagon bridges, 2 railroad bridges and more than 6 miles of track. At Covington, he burned the depot, a newly-built army hospital center, 2,000 bales of cotton, and large quantities of quartermaster and commissary supplies. Three trains were captured and burned.
Garrard's raid cut off all communication between Atlanta and Augusta and destroyed any hope that the Army of Tennessee -- the hard-pressed defenders of Atlanta -- might receive supplies or reinforcements from the Eastern Confederacy; but this success was not without its price. Because of Garrard's absence from the Union left, Hardee's Corps was able to approach undetected and to launch his smashing blow at that unguarded flank which has passed into history as the Battle of Atlanta
GHM 044-82 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1957
Located at the Old DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur, GA. Parking and places to grab a bite to eat are located near by. The courthouse is a short walk from the Decatur MARTA station.
Type of Marker: Highway
Marker #: GHM 044-82
Date: 1957
Sponsor: Not listed
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