Battle of Noonday Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Noonday Creek |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| William T. Sherman Kenner Garrard |
Joseph Wheeler | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 5 Brigades | 4,500 | ||||||
The Battle of Noonday Creek was a series of smaller fights. These battles happened during the Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War. They took place from June 10 to July 3, 1864.
Contents
What Was the Battle of Noonday Creek?
This battle involved Union and Confederate forces. Major General William Tecumseh Sherman led the Union Army. He ordered Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to stop Confederate cavalry. This cavalry was led by Major General Joseph Wheeler. Wheeler's troops were near Noonday Creek in Georgia. This area was close to Sherman's main camp.
Early Skirmishes (June 9-10)
General Garrard was supposed to block Wheeler's cavalry. After a week, he had not succeeded. So, on June 9, Union forces attacked. They used two brigades of foot soldiers and three brigades of cavalry. They also had cannons to help. Two attacks failed, and the Union soldiers pulled back. However, Wheeler's cavalry moved to a new spot.
On June 10, the 17th Indiana Infantry Regiment fought hard. They pushed the enemy across Noonday Creek.
Fighting Around McAfee's Crossroads (June 15-20)
On June 15, a large group of Union cavalry attacked. But they were forced back. On June 17, Union soldiers pushed Wheeler's troops further. Wheeler retreated to Robert McAfee's house. This house was at the corner of what is now Barrett Parkway and Bells Ferry Roads. People sometimes confuse this with Doctor John McAfee's house. That house was in Woodstock.
On June 10, Colonel Robert H. G. Minty's cavalry brigade crossed Noonday Creek. They went to McAfee's Crossroads. The 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment fought fiercely there. They pushed back the Rebel guards and took control of the crossroads.
Confederate cavalry attacked Minty's soldiers. They fought for about an hour. Then, the 7th Pennsylvania made a saber charge. They chased the Confederates for a mile. The Confederates then dug in on a hill. Minty's soldiers tried to attack this position but failed. They then went back across Noonday Creek. Minty's Brigade stayed near McAfee's Crossroads. They had small fights with Wheeler's cavalry every day until June 20.
Later Clashes (June 19-23)
On June 19, the Union Army attacked again. But they were driven back and lost many soldiers.
On June 23, Colonel Eli Long of the Union Army crossed Noonday Creek. His brigade was attacked. But they fought back and pushed the attackers away.
Later, 4,500 of Wheeler's cavalry attacked the 4th Michigan Cavalry. This happened at Latimar's Mill, near Noonday Church.
The Area Today
The area near Noonday Creek has changed a lot. Many buildings have been built since the 1980s. But the McAfee house is still there. It is on Bells Ferry Road. You can find it at the northwest corner of the intersection with Barrett Parkway. There is also a historical marker at the street. (34°00′51″N 84°32′56″W / 34.0141°N 84.5488°W)
Who Fought Here?
Many different groups of soldiers fought in these battles.
Union Army
- 103rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment
- 40th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment
- 6th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
- 46th Ohio Infantry
- 97th Regiment Indiana Infantry
- 4th Michigan Cavalry
- 17th Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment
- 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry
- 4th U.S. Cavalry
- Chicago Board of Trade Artillery
Confederate Army
- Kentucky 15th Cavalry Regiment
- Confederate 1st Cavalry Regiment
- 5th Georgia Cavalry
- Company I, 37th. Alabama Regiment
