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Early in the Atlanta Campaign, the Battle of Resaca was the first large battle that engaged all the troops of both sides. Following the standoff at Rocky Face Ridge (Buzzard's Roost Gap), both armies moved south to new positions on the north side of the Oostanaula River. This two-day battle to the west and north of Resaca started with heavy skirmishing along a four-mile front while the Union armies tried to locate the positions of the defenders. Several union assults against an angle in the defenses were largely unsuccessful. Believing the Union left flank (on the north) to be vulnerable, Confederate General Johnston ordered an attack by Hoods Corps. Despite early success in pushing back the union forces, reinforcements halted the confederate attack with virtually no change in the tactical sitution.
During the battle, Major General Sherman sent a force to cross the Oostanaula River and threaten the Confederate Supply line. This was successful, forcing Johnston to once again fall back to prepared positions closer to his base in Atlanta.
The Illinois regiments which took part in the Battle of Resaca are listed below. The links will take you to the regimental pages. |
