Who wrote the poem that gave Sherman's March to the Sea its name?
S. H. M. Byers wrote the poem that named the campaign. He composed the verses while a prisoner at Camp Sorghum near Columbia, South Carolina during 1864.
Questions about Sherman's March to the Sea
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Union troops begin their departure from Atlanta for Sherman's March to the Sea?
Union troops began their departure from Atlanta on the 15th of November 1864. The army marched toward Georgia with the goal of destroying Confederate infrastructure and supply lines.
What was the total number of men in Sherman's March to the Sea army?
The army consisted of sixty-two thousand men divided into two columns for the march. Major General Oliver O. Howard commanded the right wing while Henry W. Slocum led the left wing.
How much damage did Sherman estimate his March to the Sea inflicted on Georgia?
Sherman estimated the campaign inflicted one hundred million dollars in damage to Georgia. This figure represented about one fifth of the total loss which benefited the Union directly.
Why did Sherman use livestock and crop production data from the 1860 United States census?
Sherman used livestock and crop production data from the 1860 United States census to guide their route through areas where foraging would be most effective. This allowed them to move through regions capable of sustaining the army without traditional logistical support.