July 28, 1864---The Battle of Ezra Church

JULY 28, 1864:         

The Battle of Ezra Church  (The Battle of The Poor House):        

In order to further isolate Atlanta from the rest of the Confederacy, General William Tecumseh Sherman U.S.A. decides to cut the rail lines to Macon, Georgia. John Bell Hood C.S.A. anticipates this move and attempts to launch a surprise offensive against the troops detailed to cut the line. Unfortunately, Hood is becoming a hard luck General. The forces opposing him are commanded by his old friend General O.O. Howard who correctly guesses Hood’s plan and engages with him near Ezra Church. Although Hood’s Army of Tennessee outnumbers the Federals’ Army of The Tennessee 19,000 to 13,000, Howard’s force inflicts a severe defeat on Hood who loses 3,000 men to the Union’s 650. Hood’s one consolation is that he keeps the line to Macon open.