Year Erected: 1986

Marker Text: An excavation of the summit of Rocky Face Ridge on the direct route between Dalton and Lafayette. This gap was guarded by Confederate forces when Dalton was occupied after the retreat from Missionary Ridge in November 1863.

Federal forces made two efforts to seize the gap; February 25 and May 8, 1864. The latter was made by Buschbeck's and Candy's brigades of Geary's (2d) division, 20th A.C. These troops scaled the W. scarp of the ridge, but failed to dislodge the defenders: 1st and 2d Arkansas reg'ts. under Col. J. A. Williamson and Grigsby's brigade of Wheeler's cav., supported by Cleburn's div. of Hardee's Corps.