What happened
On October 5, 1864, Confederate troops attacked the Union garrison guarding a supply depot and the railroad cut at Allatoona Pass. Brig. Gen. John M. Corse held the position with about 2,025 men against roughly 3,276 Confederates under Maj. Gen. Samuel G. French. The Union held. Casualties were heavy for a battle this size: 706 Union and 897 Confederate.
The fight gave America a hymn. Signals between Union commanders before the battle inspired "Hold the Fort," a gospel song that spread after the war.
Visiting
- Admission is free.
- The battlefield is on Corps of Engineers land and maintained by Red Top Mountain State Park.
- Walk the old railroad cut, then drive to the lake for an afternoon paddle.
How the battlefield and the lake connect
The lake came almost a century later. Congress authorized it in the Flood Control Acts of 1941 and 1944. The lake began filling in December 1949 and was fully operating by January 1950. Building it flooded the old town of Allatoona.
Don't own a boat? Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Murphs Surf Shop at Little River Marina or Glade Marina, with live prices and booking online.
See rental locationsPaddle Allatoona · Dodge logs, geese and jet skis across 10 levels of the lake. Free, works on your phone.
Play the gameQuestions
When was the Battle of Allatoona Pass?
October 5, 1864, during the Franklin–Nashville Campaign, about a month after Atlanta fell.
Who won the Battle of Allatoona Pass?
The Union. About 2,025 Union troops under Brig. Gen. John M. Corse held the pass against about 3,276 Confederates under Maj. Gen. Samuel G. French.
Does it cost money to visit the Allatoona Pass battlefield?
No. Admission is free. The battlefield is on Corps of Engineers land and is maintained by Red Top Mountain State Park.
Sources
- Battle of Allatoona (Wikipedia)
- Allatoona Pass Battlefield (Explore Georgia)
- Lake Allatoona (Wikipedia)
Checked October 16, 2026. Fees and hours change; confirm with the operator before you go.