Sherman, stalled fifteen miles (twenty-four kilometers) north…

Sherman, stalled fifteen miles (twenty-four kilometers) north of Atlanta, is in a difficult position.

He cannot continue his strategy of moving around Johnston's flank because of the impassable roads, and his railroad supply line is dominated by Johnston's position on the top of six hundred and ninety-one feet (two hundred and eleven) Kennesaw Mountain.

He reports to Washington "The whole country is one vast fort, and Johnston must have at least fifty miles (eighty kilometers) of connected trenches with abatis and finished batteries.
We gain ground daily, fighting all the time.... Our lines are now in close contact and the fighting incessant, with a good deal of artillery. As fast as we gain one position the enemy has another all ready.... Kennesaw ... is the key to the whole country."

Deciding to break the stalemate by attacking Johnston's position on Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman issues orders on June 24 for an 8 a.m. attack on June 27.