05/16/2026
Streight's Raid across northern Georgia went through an area of flat lands, hills, rivers, and creeks with several battles along the way including at Day's Gap.
When I learned the route taken by the Union in an attempt to disrupt Confederate rail lines, I was intrigued to find it was very close to my brother's home. He indulged me by navigating at least somewhat along the route, following Alabama rte 157. He pointed out the land features, where the hills and other geographic features mentioned in accounts of the raid were, and possible reasons for taking the routes they did. This area was not heavily populated in 1863, (even today) other than towns like Tuscumbia and Moulton. We eventually found as close as we could Day's Gap, today a cattle ranch, and Battle Ground, which we assume was the location of the battle. No historic markers or signs exist, just an American flag and canon in someone's front yard. Which is sad given that men fought and died there, but in a smaller less significant event than the larger Civil War battles.
Many thanks to my brother's expertise after two degrees in geography and 20 years in the Army Corp of Engineers in mapping and interpreting terrain. Otherwise I would not have been able to turn off the main road to find the locations.
Also in 1863 all navigation of the area was by paper maps, local knowledge, and guessing routes to take! Picture with the car is Day's Gap area, the one with the flag is Battleground.
