Thursday evening had several troops moving into the town of Tunnel Hill, GA in the Northwest corner of GA near the town of Dalton. The town of Tunnel Hill is important because of the rail line running through the tunnel of the mountain. Confederate troops wanted to occupy the town because it was an important supply line for them. The Federals wanted to occupy the town because it could destroy the Confederates if they lost their supply line. Many troops moved in and set up camp in the area surrounding the Clisby Austin house and the entrance to the tunnel. Nothing happened that night.
8 September 1863
Friday was an uneventful day. More troops marched into the area from all different directions. As night fell, most troops had set up camp and enjoyed an evening meal. Most troops sat around the campfires talking and praying that there would not be a meeting of Confederate and Union forces. Men bedded down for the night to the sounds of wood popping in the campfire and crickets singing their songs.
9 September 1863
Saturday morning was bright and clear. The sun shone through the trees into the Federal camp, which was only a mile or so from the Confederate position. Unbeknownest to each sides Generals, they had set up camps so close to each other. Around 2p.m., several Confederate cavalrymen stumbled into the range of several Union forces. A fight ensued for a long time. The blasts of cannons caused the ground to shake and the trees to rattle. There were several casualities and wounded layed out on the battlefield after the smoke cleared. The Confederates forced the Federals back into the woods away from the rail line. The night ended quietly around a fire.
10 September 1863
On Sunday morning, the troops were cautious of what was around them. They were unsure of what the other side would do or when they would do it. Everything was going okay until several Confederate soldiers were taken by surprise near the cabin in the field. Federal troops pushed the Confederates back into Fort Keys and overran the fort causing the Rebels to retreat. Troops packed up quickly and started their march to another town.
