Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard learns about her third great grandfather, a man named Lewis Porter, who grew up during a time when America was moving toward Civil War. Lewis volunteered for the Union army to fight against the Confederacy. Just weeks after enlisting, Lewis Porter’s regiment set off under General William Tecumseh Sherman to serve in one of the most significant campaigns of the Civil War: The Atlanta Campaign. 

In May of 1864, the Union army launched one of the most consequential campaigns of the Civil War. Commanded by General William T. Sherman, Union forces prepared to battle the Confederate Army in northern Georgia with a primary object of taking control of the city of Atlanta. The series of battles would prove to be difficult for the Union; although the Union had more soldiers, the Confederate forces had the advantage of preparing a defense in the region. 

Through the series of battles, the Union was able to gain ground and Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston’s troops withdrew toward Atlanta. In July, the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, replaced Johnston with General John Bell Hood, who was considered to have a more aggressive approach. And Hood’s troops engaged in a series of frontal assaults. 

The Battle of Atlanta took place on July 22, and although the initial battle was considered a Union victory, the Confederate forces still maintained control of Atlanta. The battles continued on, ultimately culminating with a Sherman-led victory, and the Union’s control of Atlanta on September 1, 1864. This victory lifted the Union troops morale and helped Abraham Lincoln’s re-election for president. 

Atlanta was one of the most important areas to the Confederate Army, as it was the center for military operations and a key supply route. This victory set the stage for Sherman’s March to the Sea, which hastened the end of the war. When Atlanta fell to the Union, Union troops burned Atlanta to the ground before moving on.