Year Erected: 1954

Marker Text: 400 yds. S.E., at the big spring, is the brick residence known as the Austin house.

May 7, 1864. The Federal forces, having seized Tunnel Hill -- their first movement in the campaign for Atlanta - Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman had headquarters at the Austin house, until May 12. While here, Sherman learned that McPherson's forces had failed to cut the R.R. at Resaca, after seizing Snake Creek Gap - May 9, whereupon the attempts at Rocky Face, Crow Valley & Mill Creek Gap, were dropped & all Federal units but the 4th A.C., Stoneman's & McCook's cav., were shifted May 12, to the Resaca front via Villanow and Snake Creek Gap.