Under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, the Army of
Tennessee had retired south of Peachtree Creek, an east to west flowing
stream, about three miles north of Atlanta. Sherman split his army into
three columns for the assault on Atlanta with George H. Thomas's Army of
the Cumberland moving from the north. Johnston had decided to attack
Thomas, but Confederate President Jefferson Davis relieved him of
command and appointed John B. Hood to take his place. Hood attacked
Thomas after his army crossed Peachtree Creek. The determined assault
threatened to overrun the Union troops at various locations. Ultimately,
though, the Yankees held, and the Rebels fell back.