Adairsville had its first brush with Civil War action during the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862, when the pursuers appropriated the southbound engine Texas, disconnected the cars, and steamed in reverse in pursuit of the northwardbound Andrews’ Raiders.
During the Atlanta Campaign on May 17-18, 1864, General Joseph E. Johnston’s army, after departing Resacea and fighting the Lay’s Ferry rear guard action, attempted to establish a defensive line across the Oothcaloga Valley, in which Adairsville is located. However, the valley was too wide to accommodate his army and lacked natural anchors to protect his flanks. Combat did occur on the outskirts of Adairsville between cavalry units and at the Robert Saxon House, also known as the Octagon House. Here, Major General Oliver Otis Howard’s IV Corps attacked Confederates from Major General Benjamin F. Cheatham’s division. The commanding officer of the attacking force was Major Arthur MacArthur, the father of the future U.S. Supreme Commander of the Southwest Pacific Forces during World War II, General Douglas MacArthur. The attack was called off due to the onset of darkness, and the Confederates withdrew. The Octagon House no longer exists.