Battle of New Hope Church

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v • d • e Atlanta Campaign

Rocky Face Ridge – Resaca – Adairsville – New Hope Church – Pickett's Mill – Dallas – Kolb's Farm – Kennesaw Mountain – Marietta – Pace's Ferry – Peachtree Creek – Atlanta – Ezra Church – Brown's Mill – Utoy Creek – 2nd Dalton – Lovejoy's Station – Jonesborough

The Battle of New Hope Church was fought on May 25 and May 26 of 1864 between Sherman's Union force and Johnston's Confederate force. Sherman attempted to outmaneuver Johnston, but failed. He then sent Joseph Hooker's forces to attack Johnston, but failed to realize that Johnston had more than a mere token force. Hooker's forces were defeated, suffering heavy casualties.

After Johnston retreated to Allatoona Pass on May 19-20, Sherman decided that he would most likely pay dearly for attacking Johnston there, so he determined to move around Johnston’s left flank and steal a march toward Dallas. Johnston anticipated Sherman’s move and met the Union forces at New Hope Church. Sherman mistakenly surmised that Johnston had a token force and ordered Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s corps to attack. This corps was severely mauled. On the 26th, both sides entrenched, and skirmishing continued throughout the day. At the end of the battle, Confederate Captain Samuel T. Foster reported that 703 Union soldiers had been killed, as well as 350 had been taken prisoner. Actions the next day in this area encompassed the Battle of Pickett's Mill.