The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain marked one of the most dramatic moments of the Atlanta Campaign, as General William T. Sherman abandoned his usual flanking strategy and launched a rare frontal assault against General Joseph E. Johnston’s well-fortified Confederate line.

In this episode, I sit down with Civil War author Ben Cwayna to explore the battle from both Union and Confederate perspectives. We examine the strategic movements that led to the engagement, the commanders who shaped the campaign, and why Sherman chose to attack one of the strongest defensive positions of the war.

Our conversation also takes an in-depth look at the infamous Dead Angle, where some of the fiercest hand-to-hand fighting of the battle unfolded. Ben explains what made this position so deadly, how the soldiers endured the brutal combat, and why the Dead Angle remains one of the most fascinating locations on the Kennesaw Mountain battlefield.

Whether you’re interested in battlefield tactics, the Atlanta Campaign, or the personal stories of the men who fought there, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the Civil War’s most important engagements.