Atlanta Union order of battle facts for kids

The Battle of Atlanta was a very important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on July 22, 1864. This page tells you about the different groups and leaders of the Union Army who fought in this battle. Knowing the "order of battle" helps us understand how armies were organized. It shows which units were part of which larger groups and who was in charge of them. The Confederate Army's organization for this battle is listed separately.

Understanding the Ranks

When you read about the army, you'll see some abbreviations for military ranks. Here's what they mean:

• MG = Major General: A very high-ranking officer, usually in charge of a large group of soldiers called a corps or even an entire army.
• BG = Brigadier General: A high-ranking officer, usually in charge of a brigade (a few thousand soldiers).
• Col = Colonel: An officer in charge of a regiment (about 1,000 soldiers).
• Maj = Major: An officer who helps lead a battalion or regiment.
• Cpt = Captain: An officer who leads a company (about 100 soldiers).

Other Important Notes

• w = wounded: This means the person was hurt during the battle.
• k = killed: This means the person died during the battle.

Military Division of the Mississippi

This was a huge part of the Union Army, led by Major General William T. Sherman. He was the overall commander of all the Union forces in this area.

Army of the Tennessee

This army was a key part of Sherman's forces. It was first led by Major General James B. McPherson. Sadly, he was killed during the Battle of Atlanta. After his death, Major General John A. Logan took command.

XV Corps

The XV Corps was led by Major General John A. Logan. After he took over the Army of the Tennessee, Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith became the commander of the XV Corps.

• First Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General Charles R. Woods
  • This division had three brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Colonel Milo Smith, Colonel James A. Williamson, and Colonel Hugo A. von Wangelin (who was wounded).
    • They included regiments from Iowa, Ohio, and Missouri.

• Second Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith (later Brigadier General Joseph A. J. Lightburn)
  • This division also had two brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Colonel James S. Martin and Brigadier General Joseph Lightburn (later Colonel Wells S. Jones).
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio.

• Fourth Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General William Harrow
  • This division had three brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Colonel Reuben Williams, Colonel Charles C. Walcutt, and Colonel John M. Oliver.
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio.

XVI Corps (Left Wing)

The XVI Corps was led by Major General Grenville M. Dodge.

• Second Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General Thomas W. Sweeny
  • This division had three brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Brigadier General Elliott W. Rice, Colonel August Mersey (who was wounded, then Lieutenant Colonel Robert N. Adams), and Brigadier General William Vandever (who was on garrison duty).
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio.

• Fourth Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General John W. Fuller
  • This division had two brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Colonel John Morrill and Colonel John W. Sprague (who was fighting at Decatur).
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

XVII Corps

The XVII Corps was led by Major General Francis P. Blair, Jr..

• Third Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General Mortimer D. Leggett
  • This division had three brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Brigadier General Manning F. Force, Colonel Robert K. Scott (who was wounded, then Lieutenant Colonel Greenbury F. Wiles), and Colonel Adam G. Malloy.
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

• Fourth Division
  • Commander: Brigadier General Giles A. Smith
  • This division had three brigades and an artillery unit.
    • The brigades were led by Colonel Benjamin F. Potts, Colonel John A. Logan (who was on garrison duty), and Colonel William Hall.
    • They included regiments from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.

See Also