The Battle of Waynesboro was a significant engagement during Union General William T. Sherman's campaign as he marched through Georgia. The battle occurred when Union cavalry under the command of General Judson Kilpatrick confronted the Confederate cavalry, commanded by Major General Joseph Wheeler. The confrontation took place near the small town of Waynesboro, which was strategically important for controlling access to Savannah and the South's coastline. The battle commenced when Kilpatrick's forces aimed to disrupt the railroad lines that were vital for Confederate supply and communication. The Union cavalry managed to outmaneuver Wheeler's troops, using superior tactics and surprise attacks to rout the Confederate forces. The engagement took place on December 4, 1864, and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union cavalry. After the battle, Sherman's army was able to continue its advance toward the coastal city of Savannah, which was a significant logistical goal of the campaign.

The Battle of Waynesboro illustrated the effectiveness of Union cavalry units in the Civil War and their vital role in Sherman's overall strategy. The successful engagement contributed to disbanding Confederate cavalry forces in Georgia and bolstered Union morale. The victory also played a crucial role in Sherman's broader strategy of total war, as it not only sought to defeat Confederate troops but also aimed to destroy their will to fight by crippling their infrastructure. Following this battle, Sherman's army eventually reached Savannah, solidifying the Union's control over the southeastern ports and facilitating the subsequent Union naval blockade, which further weakened the Confederacy.

In a broader context, this battle was not an isolated incident but rather a part of the larger military campaign that included skirmishes and engagements throughout Georgia. The success at Waynesboro was pivotal for Sherman's entire campaign and showcased the changing dynamics of the Civil War, where mobility and supply lines were becoming increasingly critical. Sherman's successful march is often cited as one of the significant turning points in the Civil War, leading toward the eventual surrender of the Confederacy. This battle not only shaped military tactics but also had lasting implications on the strategies employed by both Northern and Southern forces in the subsequent phases of the war.