On May 7, 1864, the opening shots of Major General William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign occurred at Tunnel Hill, named for the 1477-foot railroad tunnel running through Chetoogeta Mountain. Dismounted Confederate cavalry under Major General Joseph Wheeler stoutly defended the tunnel until infantry and artillery from Major General John M. Palmer’s XIV Corps forced Wheeler to abandon the position. The tunnel became an important link in the Union’s vital supply line as Sherman’s campaign thrust deeper into Georgia.
Tunnel Hill was crucial in supplying both armies, first the Confederates during the fighting at Chickamauga in 1863 and then the Federals during 1864. Tunnel Hill was contested on four different occasions and, throughout the war, was the site of camps and hospitals for both sides. Several antebellum homes and buildings still exist along with Civil War breastworks and gun placements constructed by both armies. The railroad tunnel has been restored and is open to the public. A local heritage center features a museum. In addition, the 1852 stone depot, built by the Western and Atlantic Railroad, is still standing. William Whitten is believed to have been the first station agent. Local historians are planning a restoration of the depot.