The Battle of Pickett's Mill: a complete trail guide, 2005

HOURS:
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Noon-S p.m. Closed Monday
(except major holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
ADMISSIONS:
Adult: $3.00 Senior (62 & Older): $2.50 Youth (6-18): $1.75
Child (5 & Under): FREE
Group rates available for those with advance reseNations.
Information subject to change.
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Pickett's Mill Battlefield
State Historic Site
4432 Mt. Tabor Church Road Dallas, Georgia 30157 770-443-7850 www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/PickettsMiiiBattlefield

Pickett's Mill Battlefield
State Historic Site
Pickett's Mill State Historic Site is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. The terrain today closely resembles the dense woods described in 1864. Visitors walk on roads used by Confederate and Union soldiers, see earthworks built by both armies and hike the same ravine in which hundreds of soldiers died. The state of Georgia acquired the 765-acre site in the 1970s. The picturesque site contains a steep ravine, Pickett's Mill Creek, the mill ruins and hiking trails following the route of the battle's four phases. Well-marked trails carry you along most of the Confederate line, to the initial Federal position, the ravine, through the corn field (scene of vicious fighting as Howard's troops attempted to go around the end of the Confederate line) and down to the mill site . Please do not walk on the mill foundation stones. Stay on the trail at all times; do not climb on the earthworks. Trails are for walking only. Running, bicycling and horseback riding are not allowed.
Th ank you for visiting Pickett's Mill. Please keep this brochure as a souvenir or return it to the museum so another guest may enjoy it. 1

PICKETT'S MILL
CLBBURNB

P CKETI'S ILL
QUARLES
DRAWING: JON FISHER (after a map by CHUCK BROWN)

PICKETT'S MILL

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U.S. FORCES

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C.S. FORCES

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2DO . . L

CLBBURNB

QUAIU.FS
DRAWING: JON FISHER (afler a map by CHUCK BROWN)

PICKETI'S MILL

CLBBURNE

QUARLES
DRAWING: JON FISHER (after a map by CHUCK BROWN)

The Pickett's Mill Trail Guide

CONFEDERATE (C.S.) Govan Granbury Baucum Lowrey Quarles Kelly Cleburne Walthall

Map Key
1:;?'":"1 Calvary (C.S.)
111111111 Brigades in Column (C.S.)

FEDERAL (U.S.) Howard Carlin
King Hazen Scribner Knefler Mclean Gibson

Directions: To walk a trail loop, refer to the map, where you will see numbered stations . Follow the stations in order. The stations are identified along the trail by posts with an arrow, color-blaze , and station number.

FACE THIS DIRECTION . . . . . . .. . THE STATION . .... . . . ........ . BLAZE TRAIL COLOR . ........ .

DIRECTION . . . . . . . . . . ~

The blaze corresponds to the loop color and the arrow tells you which direction to go as you read the text in the guide.

BLUE LOOP - 1.5 Miles
1. Trails cover uneven ground and difficult terrain . 2. Remain on the trail at all times. 3. Preserve your heritage- DO NOT CLIMB ON THE EARTHWORKS. 4. DO NOT collect anything. Allow others to see artifacts , plants, etc. too .
Ravine Overlook (Phase I, II , Ill , IV Maps- pages 2-5) This trail carries you over much of the battlefield . You walk along most of the Confederate line in the battle area , then down a steep slope to the mill site. You walk along Pickett's Mill Creek briefly then climb a moderately steep slope to the initial Federal position. From the ridge you follow the route of advance where many brave men died . You will walk down into the ravine then climb the slope back to the visitor's center.
Station# 1: The original Civil War road continues to your rig ht to Pickett's Mill ; the road behind you was not present during the battle .


(Phase I Map -page 2) Here was the end of Granbury's line , which was located just downhill from the road . The Federals charged up the hill out of the ravine , through dense woods sim ilar to what you see here, and engaged Granbury's men, in some places hand-to-hand . It was also from this area that Granbury first observed Federal troops moving around the end of his line (to your right) , and sent a message for help to Brig . Gen. Daniel C. Govan 's brigade (Granbury's left). Govan sent the 8th and 19th Arkansas , commanded by Col. G.F. Baucum , to attack the enemy troops trying to flank Granbury.
Station# 2: (Phase I Map - page 2) From the woods ahead , Brig . Gen . William B. Hazen's brigade advanced across the road on which you are standing and into the cornfield behind you . On the opposite side of the field they were counter attacked by Baucu m's men as well as the brigade of Brig . Gen . Mark P. Lowrey. These troops drove Hazen's men back to the North edge of the field (to your right), where Hazen re-formed and repelled the Confederate attack. Later, after increased pressure from a reinforced Confederate line, Hazen was forced to withdraw. This portion of the battle represents the "high-tide" for the Federals. Had they been able to hold the ridge on the south side of the cornfield , the outcome of the battle would have been different. (If you wish to see the cornfield , follow the path behind you .)
Station# 3: (Phase I Map- page 2) Along this hilltop were positioned dismounted cavalry under Brig . Gen . John H. Kelly. They were protected by rifle pits, one of which is visible before you as a shallow depression . With this protection , they were able to hold off the attack of Col. B.F. Scribner which came from the wheat field , about 200 yards in front of you. This defense prevented their re-enforcement of Hazen's attack in the cornfield .
Station# 4: Prior to the war, this was the site of the Pickett residence, who operated Pickett's Mill. The well was dug by hand and then lined with rocks. The house was probably destroyed during the fighting in this area.
Station# 5: (Phase I Map -page 2) Site of Pickett's Mill , owned by the Pickett family. This mill was used for grinding corn and wheat into meal and flour for local residents. This was the site of intense fighting between Scribner's Federals and Kelly's Confederate cavalry. When Scribner's men advanced about 5 p.m. , they were stopped by the fire of Kelly's dismounted troopers in line from the hill to your left-rear to this point. During the fight Kell y's men crossed the creek and occupied the hill in front of you where they enfiladed (fired down the length of) Scribner's line at the edge of the wheat field .
Station# 6: (Phase II Map - page 3) You are looking along the line that was held by Scribner at the edge of this field , which was planted in wheat at the time of the battle . The Federals in this line assaulted Kelly's men on top of the hill to your left-front, whi le th ree regiments crossed the big creek behind your left-rear. This move forced Kelly to abandon his line and withdraw, but not before he had significantly delayed the Federal advance . Col. Scribner then continued his push to the cornfield area , but did not reach that point until 7 p.m. -too late to aid Hazen .

CD Visitor Center
RO Ravine Overlook
Station Stops
m Picnic Area
rru Group Shelter
~ Cabin

White Loop
(1. 1 miles)

Red Loop
(2 miles)

Blue Loop
( 1.5 miles)

111111 Brand House Trail
(3 miles round trip from Visitor Center)

Group Shleter Trail
(2 miles one way from Visitor Center)

East Side Nature Tra il
(half mile loop from Group Shelter)
.......... Cabin Connector
(half mile one way from Visitor Center)

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PavedRoad

Rivers I Creeks

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Georgia

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SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle . Three short b lasts on a whistle are known as a ca ll for help.
Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you .
Be prepared for unexpected rain and wind which can lead to hypothermia. Always carry qual ity rain gear and turn back in b ad weather. If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and w arm as quickly as possible.
Pack out all trash .
Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
Do not p ick flowers, disturb wi ldli fe or take anything off the park.
Protect the historic site, artifacts and battlefield ravines and earthworks and help prevent erosion by staying on marked trails .

Station# 7: (Phase I, II , IV Maps- pages 2-5) The trenches you see here were built during the battle by Federal reserve troops . From this point (prior to earthwork construction) Scribner began his advance across the wheat field . After the battle was over, Scribner withdrew to this area and was placed in line behind King 's brigade (Johnson 's Div.) sometime after midnight.
As you proceed up the hill , notice the trench line on your right.
Station# 8: (Phase II Map- page 3) You are looking down the length of a trench line built after the battle at a right-angle to the line you followed up the hill. It served two purposes. First, it protected troops from Confederate enfilading fire coming across the creek. Second , it provided a supporting line for any troops driven out of the main line by an enemy attack.
As you proceed , notice the Federal trenches on you left.
".. . never have troops marched to a deadly assault, under the most adverse circumstances , with more firmness , with more soldierly bearing , and with more distinguished gallantry. On , on through the thickest jungle, over exceedingly rough and broken ground ... right up to the enemy's main line of works ."
Station# 9: (Phase I Map - page 2) Here, Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen formed his men for the initial attack on the Confederate line. The wooded road on which you are standing was non-existent at that time . The advance began at 4:30p .m. , with Hazen's men marching elbow-to-elbow through the trees similar to what you see before you . Due to a confusion in orders, the brigades of Col. William H. Gibson and Col. Frederick Knefler did not go forward with Hazen as planned , but were sent in one at a time after Hazen had been repulsed. This piecemeal attack was one of the main reasons for the Federal defeat.
Station# 10: (Phase IV Map -page 5) To your right is a segment of the Federal trench line built after the battle by elements of Hazen's brigade. When built, it was part of a continuous line approximately 3/4 mile long . Erosion , farming , and logging have reduced that line to its present appearance.
Station # 11 : (Phase I Map -page 2) Here the second line of Hazen's brigade, unable to see the first line, did not follow those troops (which went forward in the same direction as the trail) but instead accidentally veered to the left, across the ravine and up the hill. These troops then crossed the Pickett's Mill road (Station #2) and fought in the cornfield .
Station # 12: (Phase I, II , Ill Maps- pages 2-4) You are now opposite the end of Granbury's line, which was on the ridge in front of you . Here you can appreciate the difficult terrain , which so hampered the Federal attack. The slope on the other side of the ravine is as steep as this side. Units in the first line of Hazen's assault came over the hill beh ind you , down to the bottom of the ravine where they paused to re-form , then up to the top of the slope on the other side where they engaged Granbury's men at close quarters. This same scene was repeated in subsequent attacks by Gibson and Knefler's men . All along the ravi ne from this point onward Federal troops were

surging up the hill into the concentrated musketry of the Confederates. The only protection in this firestorm was at the bottom of the ravine where wounded Federals could be found .
"Here was the brunt of the battle, the enemy advanci ng along his front in numerous and constantly reinforced lines. His men displayed a courage worthy of an honorable cause , pressing in steady throngs within paces of our men , frequently exclaiming , 'Ah? damn you .' Granbury's men, needing no logs, were awaiting them , and throughout awaited them with calm determination , and as they appeared upon the slope slaughtered them with deliberate aim . The piles of his dead on the front. .. were a silent but significant eulogy upon Granbury and his noble Texans ."
Station #13: (Phase I, II , Ill Maps- pages 2-4) This position was held by three successive Federal brigades making assaults on Granbury's line. Hazen's brigade was the first, followed later by Gibson 's and finally Knefler's at nightfall. In each attack the Federal advance was repulsed by the withering fire of Granbury's men (later reinforced by Walthall 's brigade) in position at the top of the rise ahead . Granbury was aided by two cannons commanded by Capt. Thomas Key posted 200 feet to your right-front. These guns were firing canisters into the packed Federals.
After the battle , a carpet of Federal dead were found in this area, and in one tree a survivor counted more than over 200 bullet marks. At 10 p.m. (Phase IV Map -pages 5) Granbury's brigade charged down the ravine driving back Knefler's brigade in position here and capturing 250 men .
Proceed up the hill and return to the visitor center where you can find more information about the "Battle of Pickett's Mill."
RED LOOP- 2.0 Miles
Ravine Overlook (Phase I, II , Ill , IV Maps- pages 2-5) In front of you is the head of the large ravine where the heaviest Federal losses occurred . The ravine becomes deeper as it flows toward Pickett's Mill Creek to the north . The Confederate infantry brigade of Brig . Gen . Hiram S. Granbury was in position a short distance in front of you , on the other side of the road , which is in the same place where three Federal assaults occurred , without trenches.
Station# 1, Blue Loop: The original Civil War road continues to your right to Pickett's Mill ; the road behind you was not present during the battle .
(Phase I Map -page 2) Here was the end of Granbury's line that was located just downhill from the road. The Federals charged up the hill out of th e ravine through dense woods similar to what you see here and engaged Granbury's men , in some places hand-to-hand . It was also from this area that Granbury first observed Federal troops moving around the end of his line (to your right) and sent a message for help to Brig . Gen . Daniel C. Govan 's brigade (Granbury's left). Govan sent the 8th and 19th Arkansas , commanded by Col. G.F. Baucum to attack the enemy troops trying to flank Granbury.

Station# R2: (Phase II Map- page 3) These trenches were built after the battle by soldiers of Lowery's brigade after they had repulsed the Federal attack. The original Civil War-period cornfield extended to the small stream to your left. This line was probably built along the edge of that field . If you choose to follow the trail to your left, as you move to Station# 4, you will see the cornfield cleared on your left but still overgrown with trees on your right. The Civil War-period field was cleared on both sides of the trail , all the way to the stream on the right.
Station# R3: (Phase I Map -page 2) During the Battle of Pickett's Mill , Brig . Gen . Mark. P. Lowery's (CSA) Alabama/Mississippi brigade passed through this area toward the hill in front of you . Upon reaching the crest of the hill Lowery formed a battle line facing to the left of the trail and attacked the Union left flank in the cornfield. This difficult sweeping flank attack eliminated any remaining chance the Federals had in winning the battle. After the battle, the earthworks you see before you were most likely built by Lowery's brigade on the 28th of May, 1864.
Station# R4 (Phase I, Ill Maps- page 2, 4) At the time of the battle this was the north edge of the cornfield . A fence along this side provided a rallying point for Hazen's retreating men . Here they re-formed and beat off the rapidly pursuing Confederates . This edge of the field was later also held by Knefler's brigade, who made a junction in this area with Scribner's brigade just after sunset.
Continue your tour to Station # 4, Blue Loop. From there you will follow the Blue Loop until the end.
WHITE LOOP - 1.1 Miles
Ravine Overlook (Phase I, II , Ill , IV Maps- pages 2-5) In front of you is the head of the large ravine where the heaviest Federal losses occurred . The ravine becomes deeper as it flows toward Picket's Mill Creek to the north , and the small stream at its bottom ran red with blood . The Confederate infantry brigade of Brig. Gen . Hiram S. Granbury was in position a short distance in front of you , on the other side of the road , wh ich is in the same place where three Federal assaults occurred , without trenches .
Station# 1: (Phase I Map -page 2) Here the Civil War-period road is to your left, the fork in front of you .. turns north to Leverett's Mill , and the other continues east to Pickett's Mill. This road fork was the location of Key's two 12-pounder howitzers , which had been detached from Hotchkiss' battalion in line to your left about 150 yards away. Key's guns fired very effectively into the Federal troops in the ravine to your right-front. On the left of Capt. Key, Brig . Gen . Daniel C. Govan 's brigade of infantry was positioned at the edge of the wheat field, parallel with the road , protecting Hotchkiss' artillery. Just prior to the Federal advance at 4:30p.m., Brig . Gen. Hiram B. Granbury's brigade was moved from this area along the road to your right. This move extended the Confederate line the length of Granbury's brigade.

Station# 2: (Phase I, II , Ill Maps- pages 2-4) When the Federal flanking force arrived in this area on the afternoon of May 27 , the commander, Maj. Gen . 0 . 0 . Howard , rode along this road from the North until they reached the edge of the wheatfield , near this point. From here he could see the Confederates in the woods at the far end (behind you) working on their rifle pits . Based on this information , Howard decided that he had found the Confederate flank and gave orders for assault. The attack was directed to the left of the road (your right), beyond the end of the Confederate line, using the road as a right flank guide. Unknown to Howard, who had no time for reconnaissance , that area was protected by a deep, overgrown ravine , which gave the Confederates defenders a great advantage . All three Federal assaults in the ravine spilled over into this field where northerners were subjected to heavy artillery fire from Hotchkiss' guns posted on the far edge of the field .
Station# 3: The line of earthworks you see was built by units from Union Brig. Gen . Thomas J. Wood's Division either during the late night of May 27 or early morning of May 28, 1864 after the Battle of Pickett's Mill. Wood 's men would have occupied this position until June 4 , 1864 when it was redeployed toward Acworth , Georgia. During their time here, Wood 's men had to continuously skirmish and fight with Confederates in either Hindman's or Loring 's Divisions .
Station# 4: (Phase I Map -page 2) In 1864 the road to Leverett's Mill followed the path before you , now overgrown with trees . From this point on , you will be walking on a post-Civil War road .
Station# 5: (Phase IV Map- page 5) During the night of May 27 (after the battle) , these four horseshoeshaped pits were constructed to protect the Federal cannons brought up that night. Since there was no road at this point, a new one was built to bring up the artillery and wagons . The next day these guns fired at Confederate artillery in line near the junction of the Pickett's Mill and Leverett's Mill roads . As you proceed down the trail you will notice the earthworks to your left.
Continue To Station # 9 of the Blue Loop.
BRAHD HOUSE LOOP- 3.0 Miles
Ravine Overlook (Phase I, II , Ill , IV Maps- pages 2-5) In front of you is the head of the large ravine where the heaviest Federal losses occurred . The ravine becomes deeper as it flows toward Picket's Mill Creek to the north , and the small stream at its bottom ran red with blood . The Confederate infantry brigade of Brig . Gen . Hiram S. Granbury was in position a short distance in front of you, on the other side of the road , which is in the same place where three Federal assaults occurred , without trenches .
Station # 1, White Trail : (Phase I Map -page 2) Here, the Civil War-period road is to your left, the fork in front of you turns north to Leverett's Mill , and the other continu es east to Pickett's Mill. This road fork was the location of Key's two 12-pound howitzers , which had been detached from Hotchkiss' battalion in line to your left about 150 yards away. Key' s guns fired very effectively into the

Federal troops in the ravine to your right-front. Just prior to the Federal advance at 4:30 p.m., Brig . Gen . Hiram B. Granbury's brigade was moved from this area along the road to your right. This move extended the Confederate line the length of Granbury's brigade.
Station # W2 , (Phase I, II , Ill Maps- pages 2-4) When the Federal flanking force arrived in this area on the afternoon of May 27 , the commander, Maj . Gen . 0 . 0 . Howard , rode along this road from the north until they reached the edge of the wheatfield , near this point. From here he could see the Confederates in the woods at the far end (behind you) working on their rifle pits. Based on this information , Howard decided that he had found the Confederate flank and gave orders for assault. The attack was directed to the left of the road (your right) , beyond the end of the Confederate line, using the road as a right flank guide . Unknown to Howard, who had no time for reconnaissance , that area was protected by a deep, overgrown ravine , which gave the Confederates defenders a great advantage . All three Federal assaults in the ravine spilled over into this field where northerners were subjected to heavy artillery fire from Hotchkiss' guns posted on the far edge of the field .
Station# W3 : The line of earthworks you see was built by units from Union Brig . Gen. Thomas J. Wood 's Division either during the late night of May 27 or early morning of May 28, 1864 after the Battle of Pickett's Mill. Wood 's men would have occupied this position until June 4, 1864 when it was redeployed toward Acworth , Georgia . During their time here, Wood 's men had to continuously skirmish and fight with Confederates in either Hindman's or Loring 's Divisions.
Station # W4: (Phase I Map- page 2) In 1864 the road to Leverett's Mill followed the path before you , now overgrown with trees . From this point on , you will be walking on a post-Civil War road .
Continue down Brand House Trail, Station # B 1.
Station # B1: You are standing near the top of Hazen's Hill. On the crest of this hill a Union artillery battery was in place on May 29th and later. This trail will take you to the Brand House site and then loop back to this same location . From here you will return to the white trail back to the visitor center. Th is is a post-war road leading down to the creek and is near the junction of the Leverett's Mill Road . This trail is steep in places, so watch your step.
Station # 82: The Union field hospital was located here during the battle. It was used to treat soldiers wounded during the battle and subsequent skirmishing the following week . Once well enough to move, the more seriously wounded were taken by wagon to the railhead at Kingston , 30 miles away. From that point they were moved by ra il cars to permanent hospitals in Chattanooga , Tennessee . It was an agon izing trip and many soldiers didn't survive the journey. To your rear, on the backside of Hazen's Hill , the Union reserve was located on May 27.
Proceed to the bottom of the hill , cross the bridge and turn to the right. Follow the marked trail. From here you will join the Brand House road, ca . 1864.

Station# 83: From roughly this position to past the Brand House site (Station # B4) was posted Carlin 's Brigade of Johnson 's 1st Division , 14th Corps and Army of the Cumberland . Carlin 's Brigade occupied this ground on the morning of May 28, 1864 and was shortly thereafter supported by Regiments from Scribner's Brigade of the same division . From May 29 until June 4 both brigades skirmished with Gen . A.P. Stewart's Confederate Division , which occupied a hill just to your right. Stovall 's Georgia Brigade seems to have been Carlin 's primary opponent. Carlin and Scribner's men held this ground until relieved by Baird 's 3rd Division , 14th Corps on June 4.
On your left you will see trenches built and occupied by the two Federal brigades.
Station # 84: The slight hump of earth in front of you is all that remains of the Brand House. The main Federal earthworks are located behind the house. Carlin 's men tore down the house and used the timber to help build their earthworks. The 2nd Ohio, 94th Ohio, and 104th Illinois infantry regiments of Carlin's Brigade held this line of earthworks. The area was attacked by elements of A.P. Stewart's Division , Hood 's Corps on May 30 , with moderate casualties suffered on both sides . The attack failed because Hood neglected to properly reconnoiter the ground . The trail you are on was part of the wagon road system that led to Leverett's Mill the way you came or to Pickett's Mill , the direction you will follow. Ahead you will see a direction marker directing you to follow the trail to the right. This trail was once the old Pickett's Mill road .
Station # 85: As you follow the ridge you will notice first rifle pits and then earthworks to your right, built by Carlin 's Brigade (U .S.). Just a short distance down the slope are other works built by Stovall 's Brigade (C .S.). Both sides set up strong skirmish lines on either side of the crest of this hill , forward of their main lines. In many places these skirmish lines were no more than 20 paces apart, making any daytime movement extremely dangerous.
Station # 86: Down the slope to your left and across the creek stood Pickett's Mill until it was destroyed by Scribner's Brigade on May 27. The skirmish lines of Carlin and Stovall would have gone all the way to the creek. Across the creek King's Brigade continued the Federal line. Opposing it a short distance beyond was Hindman 's Division (C .S.). From this point follow the trail markers along the creek (watch your step) back to the bridge and proceed back up the hill to join the White History Trail and continue your tour.
Continue down Brand House Trail to Station # 9, Blue Loop.