Teaching Notes

Map of Northern Georgia created as a field map for Sherman and the commanders of the three armies in Sherman's army group. This map is made to be used in the field and could be folded.

It has 24 sections and is mounted on linen. There is some source information located in the bottom, left hand corner but does not have a key. Most major elements are labeled, except the red markings in the shape of four small, clustered squares. The purpose of the red clustered squares is unknown, but could be a great point of inquiry for your students to investigate. 

The dark, black markings on the lower half of the map are also a mystery, but most likely some form of damage. 

This is an excellent primary source to use as a prompt to peak student interest into the content. Have students analyze and formulate questions regarding the map.  6 - 8 Social Studies/History map Sherman marchtothesea atlanta georgia railroad army

Teaching Notes

This source offers insight into the purpose of Sherman's March to the Sea. It illustrates details about destruction of railroads. Sherman's strategy was to cut off supply access for the Confederate Army via railroads through Georgia. 6 - 8 Social Studies/History railroad sherman shermannecktie georgia

Teaching Notes

This source is an excellent illustration of the purpose of the March to the Sea. Beyond the railroad tracks, telegraph poles, and burning buildings there are many details that can help students gain an understanding of the causes and effects of the March to the Sea. 

Details that are not mentioned in the Library of Congress' description include the house unharmed in the middle of the image, slaves following the Union Army, cattle being rounded up, and the burning bridge just to note a few.  6 - 8 Social Studies/History Sherman railroad CivilWar UnionArmy  

Teaching Notes

This source is hand-drawn and has many details to offer insight into the movement of Sherman's campaign and strategy. Sherman's strategy involved movement in three directions. One army to flank the left, one to flank the right, and one to draw up the middle. This strategy relied upon the two outside armies feinting to the outside to set up the center group to strike. Also, the armies raided towns or places with supplies.  6 - 8 Social Studies/History map Sherman CivilWar strategy

Teaching Notes

This source illustrates the success of Sherman's Army as they print the first copy of the Loyal Georgian newspaper in Savannah, Georgia. Union men are running a print shop in Savannah and publishing a newspaper. 

This would be a good source to use as an opening prompt.  6 - 8 Social Studies/History CivilWar Sherman Savannah Georgia

Transcript of Image:

January 21, 1865
"The Union Army entered Savannah on the 21st of December, and on the 24th the first number of the Loyal Georgian was issued"

Document Information: https://georgiahistory.pastperfectonline.com/photo/D32373FF-C0C9-4EB1-8BE7-
295489284464

Copyright has not been assigned to the Georgia Historical Society. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Division of Library and Archives. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the Georgia Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is
not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the
researcher.

Teaching Notes

This is an image drawn by a combat artist or correspondent artist. This illustration shows the destruction of the railroad. This sketch would have been used to report on the battle or war in newspapers.  6 - 8 Social Studies/History map Sherman railroad

Teaching Notes

This is a wood engraving used to illustrate the war in Harper's Weekly. The top image shows the burning of important, industrial resources for the south. Atlanta was a manufacturing hub. Note that not everything has been set ablaze meaning that there was most likely a strategic element to burning certain parts and not others. 

The lower image shows the movement of Union troops out of Atlanta.

Teaching Notes

This source is page excerpted out of an early, illustrated chronicle of US history (there is a note to the teacher at the bottom of the page). This source gives insight into the context of the March to the Sea. It shows the movement Sherman's troops from Chattanooga through Atlanta to Savannah. Each battle or city is marked with a date. There are small illustrations on the lower half of the document illustrating moments from the March to the Sea.   6 - 8 Social Studies/History Sherman map strategy Georgia Chattanooga Savannah Atlanta Columbia SouthCarolina