Confederate defensive works around Atlanta', Georgia, USA, c 1865

Confederate defensive works around Atlanta', Georgia, USA, c 1865. Albumen print by G N Barnard (1819-1902) of Confederate fortifications outside Atlanta which was besieged by the Union Army from July 1864. The siege was part of the bitter campaign fought by General Sherman known as the March to the Sea. The Confederates under Joseph Johnston delayed the advance into Georgia of William T Sherman's larger Union army in mid-1864. By August however, Sherman was on the offensive. Despite the formidable defences shown here, Atlanta fell on 1 September 1864, greatly boosting Union morale. The city was badly damaged by fires started by Sherman's army when they moved on in November. They marched on through the state to reach the sea at Savannah, leaving a trail of destruction 300 miles long and 60 miles wide. ©SSPL/National Media Museum