As the Federal forces began surrounding Atlanta, the 2nd Iowa took part in the famous advance on Jonesboro, which is located twenty-two miles south of Atlanta. This advance, which took place on August 30, would force the Confederates to evacuate Atlanta. The advance is another example of the 2nd Iowa's impact on the Civil War. During the advance the 2nd Iowa, combined with the 7th Iowa Infantry, was to support General Kilpatrick's cavalry in seizing Jonesboro. The attack on August 30 was extremely successful; the infantry and cavalry regiments bravely charged the enemy and cleared the way for the cavalry to push the Confederate soldiers stationed there closer to Atlanta. The next day the units held the position gained, and by the second of September, the enemy had evacuated Atlanta and the surrounding area and the battle was over. During the entire campaign for Atlanta, the 2nd Iowa lost fifty-five men, eight of which were killed. The numbers of the 2nd Iowa were soon to improve, however, due to the consolidation of the remaining companies of the 3rd Iowa Infantry into the 2nd Iowa. Noah Howard was then promoted to colonel.