Sherman’s March to the Sea

Dates:

November 12-December 22, 1864

Other Names:

None

Location:

From Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia

Key Individuals Involved in Sherman’s March to the Sea:

Union: Major General William Sherman
Confederate: Major General Joseph Wheeler

Outcome:

Union Victory. Approx. 3100 casualties of which 2,100 were Union soldiers.

Significance of Sherman’s March to the Sea:

Sherman presented Lincoln with Savannah, Georgia in what he called a ‘Christmas gift’. He was able to strike in the heart of the Confederacy. His victories along with those of the other Union commanders were the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.

Overview of the March:

Late in 1864, General William Sherman left Atlanta to head towards the Atlantic Ocean. He moved through Macon and Augusta and ended up in Savannah. There were few troops to stop him and his forces on the way and they left destruction in their wake.
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries