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Sherman and his troops departed from Atlanta
Sherman and his troops departed from Atlanta, Georgia on their devastating march to capture Savannah. The purpose for the march was to destroy Georgia's economic ability to support the Confederacy and frighten Georgia civilians into abandoning the Southern Cause. -
Forces defeat desperate militiamen
Sherman and his forces rarely faced opposition while marching through towns. However, on November 22, a group of desperate militiamen tried to stop them but were unsuccessful. -
Sherman burns Georgia
From November 13 - December 21, Sherman and his forces moved through Georgia burning towns, farms, and buildings. Many people thought Sherman's actions were irrelevant to the Union cause. -
Captured Savannah
After marching through Georgia and burning towns for nearly a month, Sherman and his forces capture Savannah. "I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about 25000 bales of cotton." -General Sherman, in a telegram to Lincoln, December 21, 1864 -
Sherman continues through the Carolinas
After capturing Savannah, Sherman and his forces continue on through the Carolinas and create even more destruction there than they had in Georgia. The march left the South in no doubt that they were defeated
