So with everything that is taking place within the United States there are a number of commentary entries I could make. But, at the same time I decided to skip on that of the time being. Instead I decided to go with some of historical significance.

Even with that in mind I had a number of options to write about that also have significance to current events, at least in a roundabout way. Overall I decided to go with events that had a significant impact on this country specifically.

On this date in 1864 began the siege of Atlanta by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. This was one of the turning points of the war since Atlanta was a major military supply center and railroad hub for the Confederate armies. Ultimately the Atlanta Campaign had started months earlier in the spring of that year. Even so this campaign would last for several more months after the siege.

Back in the spring of 1864 Sherman was made Supreme Commander of the armies in the west. With this command he was ordered by Major General Ulysses S. Grant to take the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

The Atlanta Campaign officially started on May 4^th. During the push forward to Atlanta they were plagued with a number of skirmishes, engagements, and battles. As it is with war there were wins and losses on both sides. Of course, the biggest losses on either side were that of human life. Even with these continuing hardships Sherman and his men continued forward.

It was on this date, September 1^st, which Sherman’s men successfully captured Atlanta. The Union Army continued to successfully maintain control of Atlanta while fending of Confederate forces commanded By General John Bell “Sam” Hood.

On November 15^th Sherman and his army started his famous march to the sea. Prior to leaving Atlanta he ordered his men to set fire to all military resources including munitions and munition factories, clothing mills, and railway yards within the city. The fires grew out of control and before they knew it most of Atlanta was in flames.

By December 23^rd Sherman and his army had reached Savannah, Georgia. During their march to the sea everything that was considered to be able to aid the Confederates was destroyed. Sherman and his army held Savannah until the end of the war on April 9^th when Major General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at the famous Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia.

Sherman was promoted to Commander of the Union army in 1869 replacing Grant; he held that posting until 1883. The phrase “War is hell” is credited to have come from Sherman during his time as a solider. Atlanta quickly recovered from the fire and later became the state capital of Georgia.

I hope you all enjoyed this little historical entry about Sherman’s Famous March To The Sea. If you enjoyed or found this interesting please give it a like to let me know. Also if you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions for future entries please feel free to leave it in the comments below/

Check back next Friday at 1500 or 3 PM for the new original short story.