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The Battle of Pine Mountain (also known as the Battle of Pine Knob and the Battle of Pine Hill) was a relatively minor engagement on June 14 - 15, 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign that resulted in the death of Confederate Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk.
- By June 9, 1864, Johnston had withdrawn the Army of Tennessee to an entrenched position in the Marietta area, in Cobb County, Georgia. Over the next three weeks, Sherman continued to press Johnston, engaging his army at various locations near Marietta, including at the Battle of Pine Mountain (also known as the Battle of Pine Knob and the Battle of Pine Hill) on June 14 and 15.
- June 14: Union Artillerists Kill Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk
The Confederates encamped on Pine Mountain, a small hill standing just 300 feet above the surrounding countryside. On June 14, Union artillery batteries shelled the Confederate position on Pine Mountain, inflicting few casualties, with the notable exception of Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, who was killed by a Northern cannonball.
- June 15: Confederates Withstand Union Assault
On June 15, Northern forces stormed the Confederate position. Three Union divisions from the 20th Corps, commanded by Major General Joseph Hooker, attacked the Southern defenders, commanded by General Patrick Cleburne. Numbering roughly 15,000 men, the Federals attacked at 5:00 PM. The Confederates held their position, forcing the Union soldiers to entrench on the hillside.
- Battle of Pine Mountain Aftermath
The Union lost over 750 soldiers (killed, wounded, captured/missing) during the Battle of Pine Mountain. Confederate casualties were unreported.
Despite the Confederate victory, Sherman eventually forced Johnston to withdraw from the Marietta area by July 3, 1864, following several other minor engagements.
Written by Harry Searles