Geary’s Refused Line
July 20, 1864. Geary’s 20th A.C. div. [US] was massed on this ridge (Candy’s, Ireland’s & Jones’ brigades) in parallel lines on old Collier Rd., its front 400 yds. Eastward. A reconnoissance in force, there was no deployment & being several hundred yds. in advance of the other 2 divs., the position lacked support.
The surprise attack by O’Neal [CS] struck Geary’s right flank causing him to refuse his line on a left pivot down the slope to & beyond the deep ravine northward, where it joined the left of Williams’ division on a ridge.
O’Neal’s assault & Scott’s [CS] attack at Collier’s Mill, were critical moments of the battle.
Marker is at the intersection of Northside Drive (U.S. 41) and Collier Road, on the right when traveling south on Northside Drive.
Courtesy hmdb.org
