At Dalton (city history), the Pocket Park highlights the Battle of Rocky Face and the surrounding area including Tunnel Hill. This is an excellent spot to understand why Sherman called Rocky Face the "doors of death" (more on the battle of Rocky Face). The park is situated in Mill Creek Gap, with Rocky Face towering in front of and behind the plaque. The narrow pass is easily protected by troops on either side, and with Mill Creek dammed, forming a lake to the left, it would be nearly impenetrable. General George Thomas avoided the gap. His forces attacked the mountains on either side, a few hundred feet from the gap.

Mill Creek Gap, called "Buzzard's Roost" by locals, was barren at the time of the battle. If it were that way today it would be easy to see the railroad (the Western and Atlantic in 1864) and I-75, both of which run between the Pocket Park and the northern part of Rocky Face.

The park was built of local material by the WPA in the 1930's.

Location: On U. S. 41 in Mill Creek Gap.
Directions: I-75 exit 336, north on Highway 41, on left in front of Georgia State Patrol office.
Additional information:
Hours:Open Daily
Date added: November 16, 2003
Last update: December 4, 2003