The Dead Angle at Kennesaw Mountain (Civil War)| History Traveler Episode 92 

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I was born and live within 3-miles of Kennesaw Mountain. Much Civil War history was (and still is) in my backyard. Thank you for spending time in our area, which most Southerners consider hallowed ground. My G.G. granddaddy and his 2 brothers served with the Confederacy - 14th GA, Co. E. Lester's Volunteers. We are extremely proud of our Southern heritage, family history and position as freedom-loving Americans. We are saddened that this terrible conflict has in our modern time, been reduced to a simple political argument of slavery & racism - Northerners were/are peace-loving, tolerant peoples while Southerners were/are hate-filled, racists. Nothing is farther from the truth. In all concerns, we are together Amercians. Thank you for a well-placed portrayal of those who served on both sides of this conflict. Hope you will spend more time in our area. There is so much more to see and learn.

Great video. I run those trails weekly. The unknown soldier buried at Cheatham Hill was actually identified in 2009 after 5 years of research. His remains were not recovered after the battle and were discovered in 1938 by conservation workers. He was interred at the spot he was found and was given a traditional headstone. After years of research he was identified by Brian Quinlin as Pvt. Mark Carr, 19, of Company I of the 34th Illinois Infantry.

We have such a hard time, today, understanding the savageness of Civil War combat and the huge dose of courage the men who endured it displayed. Both sad and inspiring.

You were about 3 miles from my house. I go walking at the park all the time. There are many more miles of breastworks off the beaten path there. All dug by hand by very desperate men. It's a sobering feeling every time I walk those fortifications. You did good job explaining Kennesaw.

I live in the area close to Kennesaw Mountain. Lived here all my life, minus 20 years serving in the US Navy. I was raised up and taught about the battles local to our area. My great grandfather lived in Dallas Georgia and served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He lost his life coming home from the siege of Vicksburg. He died from dysentery in the Sand Mountain Alabama area and was buried there. Lots of Civil War history in our county of Paulding County, the Battle of New Hope Church was another leading up to the Kennesaw Mountain skirmish. Thanks for Sharing these valuable lessons of history on your channel. 🇺🇸⚓️🔱

I live about 6 miles from here and hike the trails weekly in this National Park. The loop trail is 16 miles and winds through the different battlefields. 11 miles of it have earthwork trenches and even foxholes still preserved. 4000 combatants died here during the struggle for two weeks. Now it is a solemn place of tall oaks, deer, and wild turkey where people recreate in peace. Thanks for the video.

Incredible to find out that a family member had fought on that same ground, where you were standing! Thats amazing! What could be the odds... 👍

MG B. F. Cheatham was one of the most colorful of AoT generals. When berating an Irish pvt. for not doing his duty, the pvt. said "You wouldn't speak to me like that - if you weren't a general." To which Cheatham took off his uniform and said "There's Gen. Cheatham - Here's Marse Frank!" Then they duked it out. Supposedly, the Irishman got the better of the fight. Gen. Cheatham is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville.

As a military buff it never ceases to amaze me what men are capable of doing. Some of the most fantastic stories come out of war. We are a warrior race. Hopefully we will learn better someday, but that day never seems to come. We keep forgetting the past. Thankyou for your work to remind us, lest it be lost yet again.

I know YT gives out awards for specific categories Your way of teaching and talking #1 does not show political bias (which is so appreciated , refreshing and how it should be) and #2 your style is unique and fresh. You should get an award. Thanks as always

Digging a tunnel under enemy lines and filling with explosives is precisely what happened in WW1. And what a enormous amount of casualties became of that. This is another fantastic journey you are taking us on. Thank you.

Mate what a cool thing to find out that your Great Great Grandfather was there fighting in the Civil War right where you were standing. A great family memory even though it's from a terrible conflict in American History.

My great great grandfather and great great great uncle both in the 32nd Tennessee Infantry CSA fought at Kennesaw Mountain June 27 1863 Youre doin a great job with these shows

It really brings history home when you walk a battlefield where an ancestor fought. I’ve stood at Shiloh, Vicksburg, Fort Hindman, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge where my my great great grandfather fought. That is why I have enjoyed your videos.

My god this is one of the greatest and most underrated channels on RU-vid. Thank you so much for bringing your talent and passion to RU-vid my friend. You have absolutely raised the bar for content creation!

The fact that your great great grandfather was there is mind blowing!

Amazing video, very detailed, and well narrated. Liked being on site, it gives a better perspective of what was happening. It gave me cold chills seeing the grave site of an unknown Civil War soldier, very sad, and haunting. Your Great Grandfather had some piercing blue eyes, and what a shock it must have given you to find out he fought in all that. We learn something new all the time. Thank you.

As a teen, we use to hang out at Kennesaw Mountain on Sunday afternoons. Took my son back some 30 years later and they have really dressed up the battle fields. Amazing the courage those men had back then on both sides.

For any history lover like myself this is like going to the candy store as a kid!! Love these episodes.

My great grandfather( 6 generations up) fought there for the South. He was with the 17th Alabama infantry.

The music almost transports me into feeling the somberness of the location and events that took place I really enjoy the battlefield reviews and perspectives from both sides it’s sad to see that nature is repairing most of its scars because I like to envision what it must have been like to be there that day

All your videos are insightful, even educational at times, but this one gave me goosebumps, what with the remains of the earthen works, etc. There is nothing like walking in the steps of history to make one humble.

Thank you for the opportunity to visit places and battles I've only read about. Wonderful series.

What a hauntingly beautiful and somber place. Thank you again.

Wow, to find out a relative was part of the engagement and sharing his picture, amazing!! thank you!!

Outstanding video, JD! The McCook family is buried in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The family plot is located in the Spring Grove Cemetery and Aboretum.

I appreciate seeing "real life" views in contrast to Hollywood depictions. I'm among many who had ancestors serving both in Union and Confederate forces (none in this battle that I know). Nevertheless it all makes it kind of difficult to think in terms of bad guys vs. good guys. In the cases of my research my ancestors seemed equally devoted to their respective cause. In one particular situation it blows apart all stereotypes we who were educated in 20th century public schools were taught. Well, victors write the history. Thanks @The History Underground for seeking out untold secrets and presenting them in a fair and balanced manner. Man, I'd love to set down and share stories with you, as I'm confident most of your subscribers would as well. Keep traveling. Be a blessing.

I am a history buff and I subscribe to many podcasts. So, it is rare that I add another to my subscription list because I have so many to listen to. I recently stumbled across "The History Underground", History Traveler and I have added it to my subscription list. Kudos to you sir for your interesting content.

I've visited this very spot, and it's incredibly moving. The Rebels fought with visceral desperation, as there were no more strategic barriers to Atlanta past Kennesaw - and everyone knew that if Atlanta fell, the war was essentially over. It was over 100 humid degrees when the battle commenced, and a thick fog of gunsmoke obscured the action in all directions. The soldiers, in itchy wool uniforms better suited for spring or fall, were both completely terrified and fighting blind. Cannonballs, grape shot and small arms fire whistled madly in the air above them in all directions - to this day there are trees standing near the trenches that have more lead bullets in them than is imaginable - embedded like acorns around the trees' full circumference - if you didn't see it with your own eyes - you simply wouldn't believe it. It's hard to conceive of how anyone survived. When things absolutely couldn't get any worse - of course they did; a series of fires broke out in the woods here and there as the no-quarter fighting continued unabated, and spread quickly on both sides. It was truly hell on earth. After the war, veteran's groups and ladies auxiliaries returned to the battle field and left maybe two or three dozen memorial plaques marking where this or that soldier fell - Union and Confederate. I have a VERY good imagination - and I couldn't begin to imagine the fear and suffering of all these men in this living hell. Let's not do it again...

"Brave? Crazy?" Nope...Duty!! You had to be numb to face such opposition!! EXCELLENT VIDEO!!

My great great great Grandfather was in the 41st Georgia, that fought in General Stovalls brigade, Stephens Division, Hoods Corp, that fought in this battle. Very cool story about the Union Colonel. So sad, we have so many people that hate and want to erase history in this country.

You do a great job of narrating and showing respect while doing it. Thumbs up.

This was great. My niece lives in Marietta Georgia, Kennesaw is out her back door! Also the McCooks are from Cincinnati Ohio and Sherman also from Ohio, where I am from. I love history and live how you present things.

Thank you for this video. My great, great grandfather was injured by a mini ball at Dead Angle and recovered in a hospital near here before later rejoining his regiment to fight again. I have read about this in his civil war pension, but never heard the story of the battle. He was in the 12th Tenn Infantry. His name was Charles Landers Hatfield. So, he fought your great, great grandfather here. That is crazy to think about. He was injured 3 times in the war, Shilo, here and Perryville. Men were tougher back then.

My 3x Great Grandfather fought in the 127th Illinois Infantry and was at Kennesaw Mountain! His diary has been preserved (and copied) and passed down through our family for generations now. I was stationed at Fort Bragg for years and since I love history, I visited Bentonville just a short ways from there. It was a year or so after that visit that I found out my Grandpa Handcock (no, not that one! :-P) also fought there too. It is eerie but truly humbling to realize that you possibly walked the same ground that they did.

Damn, that's GREAT STORY. It's amazing to go back in time, to stand on the ground where our forefathers fought hard. With imaginary eyes see what they have seen and experienced. Unimaginable experience. Thank You so much for that time travel.

Glad to see you gaining subscribers so quickly. I will say your history videos are the most entertaining I have come across.

Well produced video. Thanks for taking us on the history tour.

Another fascinating insight into The Civil War!!! Thank you for all your hard work!!!

I am really enjoying your episodes, especially about Civil War battlefields. I grew up in Atlanta and, even having been to Kennesaw Mountain many times, your perspective taught me a lot I didn't know. It is very interesting that was the time of change in Sherman's strategy to start deliberately wreaking destruction on civilians, not just the Confederate Army. He continued that strategy all the way to Savannah and on to Columbia, SC after that. My parents are buried in Westview Cemetery in Southwest Atlanta, where the Battle of Ezra Church took place, It took place on July, 28, 1864 and Atlanta fell soon after, on September 2.

Thank you for these videos. It allows me to "see" places that I could not otherwise get to see. I look forward to sharing your videos with my grandchildren as they get older.

Really enjoying these more in depth history lessons....👍

The fear. The bravery. The unknown. But any battle during any any war can be described that way. Kenesaw is particularly interesting. I haven't heard detail as you describe even on guided tours. Love your passion.

History that makes you say “My Gosh”...... love it.... like taking a time machine.

I went to Kennesaw Battlefield yesterday. I stopped at this part because I own a pistol that was used by a Lieutenant in the 85th Illinois. It was awesome having his pistol there, thinking the last time it was there was during the battle. Thanks for the video.

My ancestors were on the opposing side but fought through Northern Virginia with Lee under Longstreet and Pettigrew. I had no idea when I was working in the area around Culpepper, VA that my great-great Grandfather had been camped there during the war (near Spotsylvania and the Wilderness). My wife's family were Irish immigrants to New York and her ancestor was part of the forces you're tracking that served with Sherman.

I live at the bottom and can see the top of Kennesaw mountain from my house, my grandpa metal detected this entire mountain and pretty much every battlefield from the war, collected what I’m pretty sure is the biggest civil war collection in the country in a private museum, could probably get you an appointment to see it. He also sold pickets mill to the state to tell you how much he loved civil war history.

I love this channel. You bring history alive for me. Thank you so much.

Thank you for taking me to all the places I would probably not get to see otherwise. I really enjoy the content of your channel.

I have stumbled upon perhaps the most engaging video about the Civil War that I have ever seen on RU-vid. Kudos to you, that was well done.

Very interesting as a English man love watching these videos a side of us history we rarely see

Taking a battlefield and adding the human connection. Well done!

I've read about the battle, but seeing the grounds certainly clarifies the movements and decisions. Thanks.

I have always been a civil war enthusiast. Keep up with these excellent visions my friend. I enjoy your walking tours.

Civil war battles have the most boss names ... the dead angle, devils den , the slaughter penn ect... great video

Bud I love your work .... I’m a massive ww1 and general history buff ... I’ve been to a lot of these American civil war sites .... love your detail and passion . Jamie England uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸👍

oh how i would love to go back in time to just see and hear the sounds of battles going on. i always picture and play my head how battles or certain events went. i cant be the only one lol

Living about 30 miles south of Chattanooga I grew up with this history all around me. There are numerous fortified sites which remain unmarked between Chatt and Atlanta especially around the Dalton area. Found more than my share of artifacts in the ridges here. The official records are on line and an invaluable resource for us amateur archeologists. You do great job of presenting the details but there is so much more to be seen off the beaten path.

Had family at this battle. Died of illness after the battle but his journal had some very disturbing information about this fight. He was a confederate soldier. His distant cousin was Mayor Fontaine Beckham of Harper's Ferry (killed by one of the raiders during his raid, which Robert E Lee was the US commander who ended it) and 2 brothers, one on each side at Gettysburg. One was killed at Yellow Tavern (was a confederate artillery Colonel). Mayor Beckhams uncle is a distant grandfather of mine

Special start to my day. Thanks JD!

I can't say enough about your videos, I look forward to seeing them you are a great American for who you are and the work you do. Thank You very much.

Your channel deserves more views.

Just found this channel the other day! Very nicely done within the time frame. Well done, very enjoyable

I love your work. I want to watch all of your videos and then start over and watch them again.

It is so amazing that you have taken the time to get to know all these facts and figures. That was when War was really brutal, and I mean brutal from all that I have seen. Thank you so very much for all that you do, especially when it comes to telling us these facts.

Crazy to imagine a frontal assault!! Brave Men and boys🇺🇸 RIP . Thank you for sharing 👍

Your battlefield tours are some of the best out there. I can really get a physical sense of the battlefield and how it would have looked at the time.

Great video. I was there about 5 years ago and could feel the history. I've seen a few of your videos now and have subscribed. Keep up the good work 👍

I love the moody music in this one. It evokes an emotional reaction to the deaths and misery that took place on Kennesaw Mountain. I was thinking about the fact that if my parents had lived during the Civil War, they probably would never have met. My Pops was from the Union, my Mom from the Confederacy. I love your channel and look forward to your new videos. Thank you! Blessings all!!!!

You always give so much historical information. Love it and thank you.

I am SO thankful you do these documentary's!!! I have learned a LOT watching them. You cover much stuff that tv documentary's don't cover. God willing, there is a small group of us from my old unit that will go back to Vietnam next year to cover 2 places we were at, the Khe Sahn Combat Base and the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp. If we do get to make the trip, would you like to go along with us??

This was an incredible video. It really hits you just how bad the war was when you see the Unknown Soldiers grave. It must be humbling to stand where your Great-Great Grandpa fought. I just subscribed to your channel. Please keep these documentaries going, you are honoring those that were there and the past should never be forgotten.

I’ve just discovered your channel and I love your videos. I love the way you film, add visuals and narrate. I feel like I’m exploring the areas and sites with the best dang guide ever! Thanks so much for the passion you put into them.

If you go to the top of Kennesaw Mountain,the view is incredible.

Wow! The last graphic really brings it home! Thank you for another short tour of things I would otherwise know nothing about. Your work is great!

I'm so glad your channel showed up on my feed. I LOVE history although sad it is still our history. Thank you

Just discovered this channel after reading about this battle in Company H. Incredible content I've never the likes of it anywhere else 👏👏 had me tearing up

Thank you for this! Informative, sober, respectful and genuine.

Thank you for this look into the history of Kennesaw Mountain. I live within 10 miles of the location but know little history of the battles there. The way you tell the stories are very captivating. Thanks again.

One of your best videos yet, JD! Hope you're enjoying/enjoyed your time down there! Thanks for throwing in the personal touch at the end- that's what made the entire video. Safe travels.

Smart commanders went around such emplacements! The fact that men were sent into such things, shows how there was absolutely no concern for human life! Sherman was part of the old guard, and employed outdated tactics from a different time when static skirmish lines were possible because of the inaccuracy of weapons of the time!

I really enjoy your history lesson on all of your different places you go. U make them come alive. Thanks 👍

I have been with you since day one and love seeing you grow. Your editing is getting so great its like watching an actual documentary but whatever you do please don’t lose that personal touch that make these videos so unique. It’s like I’m there with you and so easy to follow which makes learning that much easier and fun. Keep it up man! I’d love for you to make your way to Texas where I’m at and teach some Texas history.

Outstanding video - informative, factual, great camera work and the score was spot on....really set the tone. Awesome!

Loved this video awesome as always keep up the great work and videos I so look forward to them all.

I learn something new, something I never knew about the Civil War and it’s battles from your efforts to bring our history to life. So well done sir!

Keep on doing your wonderful videos! You take us on a walking history lesson with each of your posts. Sad my father isn't with us anymore... Dad was a huge history buff and loved to go to battle fields around the world and would have really enjoyed your The History Underground tours!!

I visited this battlefield some years ago and remember being so moved at seeing those earthworks. This past fall I began reading Shelby Foote's three volume narrative of the Civil War and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to sit through three one-thousand page detailed accounts. Foote has a wonderful writing style, but because of the level of detail he goes into, there are sometimes paragraphs with the names of ten different generals in them that explain a particular situation. It's comprehensive, but not for the impatient reader. Anyhow, after two months of daily reading, I just reached the description of Sherman's Tennessee-through-Georgia campaign and Foote's account of Kennesaw Mountain. I can in no way imagine myself doing what those (mostly) young men did, marching directly into massed musket and cannon fire over a half-mile or more of open ground -- uphill, no less. The privations that soldiers on both sides (moreso the Confederates by far) endured are far beyond what any modern military personnel have to suffer through, though, obviously, combat is never easy and by definition means you could both lose your life or also have to kill another person. This was an excellent presentation, thanks for making it!

I'm originally from Illinois, and knowing so many soldiers from so many states that fought for what they believed in is so brave. I myself am a veteran, though not from combat like so many other heroes. Having to fight and kill your brother from the same country must have been difficult despite not sharing the same views. You always have to wonder what it truly was like for people in those eras and how hard times were for them. Great job as always!

I watch a lot of Guns and a lot of Music videos on RU-vid. But, this channel is by far my favorite to watch. This is so awesome! Good job, man! Keep doing what you do!

Great video. Ive been to numerous battlefields and its just amazing how huge these battles were and the miles upon miles of entrenchments they would build.

This is the 1st video of yours that I watched. You have me hooked!

Always like your videos wished you were my history teacher back in seventies wouldn't have fallen asleep as much keep up good work take care stay saved

Great job. Love your details and accompanying camera work that reinforces the prospectives of both sides. Many thanks.

I lived in Atlanta for 12 years and frequently went to Kennesaw Mountain. Great history and some of the best hiking I’ve ever had Coast to Coast. A beautiful battlefield. Thanks for the great show. All your segments are very interesting.

Thanks for bringing a little bit of history back to life🇺🇸👍

I visited Kennesaw Mountain in late July of this year. The highlight of my trip to the battlefield was Cheatham Hill and the Dead Angle. It was a hot day and I walked through the woods having parked my car near where General Thomas once had his camp. I spent a long time there and paid my respects to the gravesite of the unknown Union soldier. I sat on the bench looking out at the field where the Union soldiers emerged from the woods and made their frontal assault. Many brave men were slain trying to take the Confederate position. Sherman asked Thomas if he could take the Confederate position and Thomas reportedly said that he believed it couldn't be taken. He was right. Sherman made the same mistake Grant made at Cold Harbor. Being a Civil War buff I can hardly wait to return to the Dead Angle and other key locations of the battlefield such as Pigeon Hill.

I really enjoy watching your history vlogs of the Civil War! You have a way of painting a picture of what was happening during the war.

Just recently started watching your channel going through WW1 and WW2. Took my oldest out to Kennesaw Mountain today which was a first for us both. Glad to find that you covered this battle and will share with my son.