Second Battle of Dalton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Dalton
Part of the American Civil War
Date August 14, 1864 (1864-08-14)–August 15, 1864 (1864-08-15) Location Whitfield County, Georgia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
James B. Steedman Bernard Laiboldt	Joseph Wheeler
Units involved
District of Etowah	Wheeler's Cavalry Corps
Strength
800	5,000
Casualties and losses
40 killed 55 wounded	150

The Second Battle of Dalton was fought August 14–15, 1864, between Union and Confederate forces in Whitfield County northern Georgia.

Battle

Map of Dalton II Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

Confederate cavalry, commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler raided northern Georgia to disrupt William T. Sherman's supply lines and destroy the railroad track, hoping to force Sherman to retreat from the state. On August 14, Wheeler demanded the surrender of the Union garrison at Dalton, Georgia, commanded by Colonel Bernard Laiboldt. Laiboldt refused and held out inside his fortifications, though sporadic fighting continued until midnight.

The next morning, Wheeler ended his attack and prepared to retreat. Union reinforcements arrived from Chattanooga, commanded by Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, and engaged Wheeler's cavalry. Skirmishing continued for four hours, before the Confederates finally left the field.

The amount of damage inflicted by Wheeler on the railroad is debatable. However, Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas in Nashville reported that the track south of Dalton was quickly repaired and trains were running again within two days.

Battlefield Condition

The growth of the City of Dalton has destroyed the battlefield landscape and its historic setting.