Battle of Resaca Battlefield
The Battle of Resaca took place on May 14-15, 1864. The Battle of Resaca was fought because the Union was trying to take over the Western Atlantic Railroad, which runs through Resaca. This was a key turning point in the Civil War because it was one of the last Confederate controlled railroads. The Resaca/Dalton area was used as a storage area due to the railroad station, which made for easy transportation. Resaca was relatively elevated compared to the surrounding areas, which made fighting easier for the Union. The Confederates used Resaca because the Conasauga and Oostanaula rivers were on either side of Resaca. This was strategic in the fact that the soldiers couldn't be flanked. ("Resaca")
The Union and the Confederacy suffered similar casualties, but the North was able to force the South in a retreat into tougher terrain. The Union was also able to capture the Western Atlantic Railroad, which was their main purpose in fighting this battle. This was a big blow to the Confederacy and they were never able to recover (Hoole 23). The Union was lead by Sherman, whose main goal was to destroy the South's resources. The South was lead by Johnston for this battle. The Battle of Resaca marked the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign. Although both the Union and the Confederacy lost about the same number of people, Sherman's army was much larger and was able to advance on toward Atlanta. If the North would not have been able to advance after the Battle of Resaca, the war might have ended a little bit differently (Seacrist 30).
The Union and the Confederacy suffered similar casualties, but the North was able to force the South in a retreat into tougher terrain. The Union was also able to capture the Western Atlantic Railroad, which was their main purpose in fighting this battle. This was a big blow to the Confederacy and they were never able to recover (Hoole 23). The Union was lead by Sherman, whose main goal was to destroy the South's resources. The South was lead by Johnston for this battle. The Battle of Resaca marked the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign. Although both the Union and the Confederacy lost about the same number of people, Sherman's army was much larger and was able to advance on toward Atlanta. If the North would not have been able to advance after the Battle of Resaca, the war might have ended a little bit differently (Seacrist 30).
Interview with Zach Brewer
Zach is a participant in the Civil War battle reenactment that takes place every year at the Resaca Battlefield.
Zach is a participant in the Civil War battle reenactment that takes place every year at the Resaca Battlefield.
1. What sparked your interest in participating in the Civil War reenactment?
"I became interested in reenacting generally from my love of history, especially the American Civil War.
Living in Northwest Georgia, there is no shortage of Civil War history and being involved in the reenacting
community has allowed me to learn a more hands on approach. It provides an experience that books
and documentaries lack. Not to mention, you have the opportunity to share with others who have the
same interest."
2. What all does the reenactment involve?
"Reenactments vary. Some events stage battles, while others are more of a living history type program. In either case, reenactors try to simulate what it was like for soldiers during the Civil War."
3. What role do you prefer to play in the reenactment, and why?
"Personally, I prefer living histories to reenactments. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with the public and the smaller atmosphere."
4. What are the sleeping quarters like during the reenactment?
"Sleeping quarters also vary. It really depends on the reenactor's level of dedication. Some reenactors will bring RVs or campers to events, while others will sleep on the ground without any shelter. For me, I prefer to camp as accurately as I can to how the soldiers did 150 years ago. I typically use a simple shelter half, ground cloth, and a wool blanket."
5. In your opinion, why was Resaca a prime location for the battle?
"Resaca was not chosen as the site of the battle; it just happened to be where the battle was fought. Prior to the battle, Confederate forces were in defensive positions around Dalton. General Johnston had his troops on the mountains and ridges north and west of the town and it proved to be an impregnable position. As a result, rather than risk fruitless attacks on the Confederate positions, General Sherman had one of his two armies make a flank march west of Dalton around the Confederate line through Snake Creek Gap. When General Johnston learned of the Union force advancing on Resaca, he was forced to abandon his position at Dalton, and fall back into defensive positions around Resaca."
6. How closely do you think the reenactment resembles the real battle?
"Not at all!! The majority of this battle was fought in heavily wooded areas, thick with undergrowth, rolling hills, and deep ravines. Reenactments tend to be in large, open areas, making it easier for spectators to watch. However, reenactments do a good job helping the spectators visualize troop movements and battle formations."
7. How long have you been participating in the reeactment, and what makes you continue?
"2015 will be my 5th Battle of Resaca. This reenactment is very special to me for two reasons: First, I've been coming to the reenactments since I was a kid. Second, it was my first event as a reenactor. As a result, it's very special to me and I try to participate every year."
"I became interested in reenacting generally from my love of history, especially the American Civil War.
Living in Northwest Georgia, there is no shortage of Civil War history and being involved in the reenacting
community has allowed me to learn a more hands on approach. It provides an experience that books
and documentaries lack. Not to mention, you have the opportunity to share with others who have the
same interest."
2. What all does the reenactment involve?
"Reenactments vary. Some events stage battles, while others are more of a living history type program. In either case, reenactors try to simulate what it was like for soldiers during the Civil War."
3. What role do you prefer to play in the reenactment, and why?
"Personally, I prefer living histories to reenactments. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with the public and the smaller atmosphere."
4. What are the sleeping quarters like during the reenactment?
"Sleeping quarters also vary. It really depends on the reenactor's level of dedication. Some reenactors will bring RVs or campers to events, while others will sleep on the ground without any shelter. For me, I prefer to camp as accurately as I can to how the soldiers did 150 years ago. I typically use a simple shelter half, ground cloth, and a wool blanket."
5. In your opinion, why was Resaca a prime location for the battle?
"Resaca was not chosen as the site of the battle; it just happened to be where the battle was fought. Prior to the battle, Confederate forces were in defensive positions around Dalton. General Johnston had his troops on the mountains and ridges north and west of the town and it proved to be an impregnable position. As a result, rather than risk fruitless attacks on the Confederate positions, General Sherman had one of his two armies make a flank march west of Dalton around the Confederate line through Snake Creek Gap. When General Johnston learned of the Union force advancing on Resaca, he was forced to abandon his position at Dalton, and fall back into defensive positions around Resaca."
6. How closely do you think the reenactment resembles the real battle?
"Not at all!! The majority of this battle was fought in heavily wooded areas, thick with undergrowth, rolling hills, and deep ravines. Reenactments tend to be in large, open areas, making it easier for spectators to watch. However, reenactments do a good job helping the spectators visualize troop movements and battle formations."
7. How long have you been participating in the reeactment, and what makes you continue?
"2015 will be my 5th Battle of Resaca. This reenactment is very special to me for two reasons: First, I've been coming to the reenactments since I was a kid. Second, it was my first event as a reenactor. As a result, it's very special to me and I try to participate every year."