The Errant Pontoon Bridge: Paces Ferry
July 5, 1864. During Johnston’s retreat from Smyrna, a portion of his wagon-train detoured from the Atlanta-Marietta rd. via Vining’s Station to a pontoon bridge at Pace’s Ferry.
Wheeler’s Cav. escorted the trains; when all were across, the bridge was cut loose so as to swing down stream to the Fulton Co. side.
Federal gun-fire, preventing its removal, the bridge was cut loose by the Confederates, but instead of floating down to shelter within Johnston’s River Line at Bolton, it lodged on this side where it was seized by troops of Hazen's 4th A. C. brigade, July 8.
Marker is at the intersection of West Paces Ferry Road SE and Paces Ferry Drive SE, on the right when traveling west on West Paces Ferry Road SE.
Courtesy hmdb.org
