New Hope Church | May 25-26, 1864

American Battlefield Trust’s map of the Battle of New Hope Church

May 25-26, 1864 

After Gen. Joseph E. Johnston retreated to Allatoona Pass on May 19-20, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman determined to move around Johnston's left flank rather than attack the strong Confederate defenses. On May 23, Sherman set his troops in motion toward Dallas. Johnston anticipated Sherman's move and blocked the Federals at New Hope Church. Believing the Confederates there were merely a token force, Sherman ordered Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's corps to attack. Advancing through woods and over rough terrain, Hooker’s men ran headlong into Confederate earthworks where they were severely mauled. Both sides dug in, and skirmishing continued throughout the following day. 

Learn More: The Battle of New Hope Church