Fall of Atlanta, August–September 1864

Background. Atlanta became a critical point of contention during the 1864 campaign when a powerful Union Army approached from Union-held Tennessee. General Sherman succeeded Grant as commander in the western theater in 1864. General Hood, promoted to command the Army of Tennessee at the outskirts of Atlanta, was the youngest soldier on either side to command an army.

Evacuation and Occupation. On the evening of September 1, 1864, Hood evacuated Atlanta, burning as many military supplies and installations as possible. Sherman's campaign concluded successfully on September 2, 1864, with the capture of the city, which Hood had been forced to abandon. Union forces entered Atlanta a day after the Confederate defenders fled.

Civilian Evacuation Order. Following the occupation, Sherman ordered the city's immediate evacuation. On September 8, 1864, he issued Special Field Orders No. 67, stating that Atlanta, being exclusively required for warlike purposes, would be vacated by all except the armies of the United States. This order covered the period from September 8 to 21, 1864.