What battle was a key victory for the Confederacy and took place in Dalton, Georgia?

The reason that the Battle of Resaca is the correct answer lies in its significance as a strategic victory for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Taking place in May 1864, the battle was part of a larger campaign known as the Atlanta Campaign, where Union forces under General William T. Sherman were attempting to capture Atlanta, a vital Confederate supply center.

While Dalton itself was a critical location at the outset of the campaign, the Battle of Resaca showcased the Confederate Army's attempts to fortify its position in the region and defend key transportation routes. The successful defense at Resaca allowed Confederate forces to delay Sherman's advance, demonstrating the tactical capabilities of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston's army.

Understanding the significance of the Battle of Resaca helps to highlight the broader context of the Atlanta Campaign and the brutal nature of warfare occurring in Georgia at that time. Other battles mentioned, such as the Battle of Atlanta, contributed to the Union's overall strategy and eventual capture of the city, but it was the Battle of Resaca that marked an essential defensive victory for Confederate forces in this specific location.