The March Through Georgia

General William T. Sherman of Atlanta’s campaign was a March of destruction that started in August 1864 or otherwise known as his march to the sea. Sherman left Chattanooga and was soon fighting Confederate General Joseph Johnston. Johnston’s skillful tactics against Sherman stopped Sherman from going further into Georgia, even though Sherman’s army was twice the size of Johnston’s. Johnston was later replaced by General John Bell. Sherman’s army quickly took advantage of the situation and defeated Bell’s forces in Atlanta Georgia on September first. Sherman occupied the city the next day. In November (1864) Sherman continued his march to the sea, but on his way he had his army cut a path 300 miles long and 50 miles wide and told his troops to burn anything that was in their path. General Sherman final captures Savannah Georgia on December 20 and decides not to burn the city.That same day Sherman telegrams President Lincoln offering Savannah as an early Christmas gift.  

"General William Sherman in Georgia." General William Sherman in Georgia. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2013. <http://www.civilwarhome.com/shermangeorgia.htm>.