posted November 10, 2004
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park will have special programs commemorating the 141st Anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga Nov. 20-21.
The Battles for Chattanooga, fought Nov. 23–25, 1863 resulted in a Union victory that allowed the Federal oldiers to control the “Gateway to the Deep South” for the remainder of the Civil War.
Activities planned include the following:
Saturday, Nov. 20
Ranger-Led Tours:
1. Moccasin Bend Archeological District Civil War Fortifications 9:30 a.m.
Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a guided tour of Union fortifications that provided heavy gun fire for Hooker’s attack on Lookout Mountains’ “Battle above the Clouds.”
The approximately two-hour walking tour will explore the impressive earthwork remains of an artillery complex that was key in helping the Union Army lift the Siege of Chattanooga. Meet Historian Ogden along Moccasin Bend Road near the entrance to Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. Look for the “Special Program” signs.
This two hour hiking tour is through a wooded area both on minimal trails and across country. Portions of the route are up and down steep hillsides. Participants should bring a bottle of water and come dressed appropriately for the conditions, including comfortable, supportive hiking footwear.
2. Battle of Brushy Knob and Orchard Knob
11 a.m.
Park Ranger Anton Heinlein will lead a guided car caravan tour relating to the Nov. 23, 1863 Battle of Orchard Knob. Participants will learn General Grants’ strategy to divert the attention of the Confederates positioned on Missionary Ridge, before General George H. Thomas’s Army of the Cumberland attacks Rebel fortifications and picket lines located at Brushy and Orchard Knobs. The tour will begin at the Andrew’s Raiders Monument located inside the Chattanooga National Cemetery entrance gate located on Holtzclaw Avenue. Dress appropriately for the weather.
3. "Fighting Joe" Hooker Feints at the Mountain
1:30 p.m.
Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a guided walking tour of the Cummings Bottom portion of Lookout Mountain Battlefield in Lookout Valley. Located on Smith’s Hill and Bald Hill and along the banks of Lookout Creek at the northwestern base of Lookout Mountain, the area saw a full scale demonstration by Union troops under Union General Joseph Hooker while other troops turned the Confederate left sweeping the side of the mountain.
Hooker’s demonstration fixed the Confederates in place throughout the morning of Nov. 24, 1863. Those same demonstrating Union troops then assaulted across the creek and joined the main attack on the slopes of the Mountain. From this area, General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker launched and directed the Union assault in the Battle of Lookout Mountain. One and one-half mile round trip walks on a gravel and grassy path. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet Historian Ogden at the end of Parker Lane in Tiftonia; Parker Lane is on Browns Ferry Road near the I-24 interchange and between the McDonalds and the Texaco.
4. Battle of Lookout Mountain
3 p.m.
Park Volunteer Ansley Moses, Jr. will lead a guided tour of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield. This tour will walk over the area of Hooker’s assault on Lookout Mountain as he climbed through the clouds that concealed his movements against Confederate General Walthall’s brigade.
Participants will learn where the fiercely contested battle took place amid the thick mists that became known as “The Battle above the Clouds.” Tour begins at the Cravens House parking lot located on historic Lookout Mountain. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Sunday, Nov. 21
Ranger-Led Tours:
5. Guided tour of Sherman Reservation
1 p.m.
Park Ranger Rebecca Karcher will lead a guided tour of Sherman Reservation, the site of Major General William T. Sherman’s assault against General Patrick Cleburne’s Confederates, who were positioned on the north end of Missionary Ridge, known today as Tunnel Hill. Cleburne’s gallant defense against Sherman’s Federals earned for him the nickname, “Stonewall of the West.”
This 90 minute tour will walk over the ground of this fiercely contested battle that took place on Nov. 25, 1863. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet Park Ranger Rebecca Karcher on Lightfoot Mill Road just off of North Crest Road on Missionary Ridge.
6. Battle of Ringgold Gap
2 p.m.
Park Ranger Lee White will lead a guided car caravan tour of the Ringgold Gap Battlefield where Cleburne’s division of Confederates greets Union General Hooker’s corps with heavy musketry and artillery fire. Confederate General Patrick Cleburne’s division, acting as a rear guard for the Army of Tennessee positioned itself at Ringgold Gap on Nov. 27, 1863.
Learn how Cleburne’s division repulsed the Federals with more than musketry and artillery causing considerable losses for Hooker’s corps which allowed the Army of Tennessee to safely retreat to Dalton. This marked the second time in three days that the “Stonewall of the West” had beaten back a Union assault.
Meet Park Ranger Lee White at the Ingle’s Grocery Store parking lot at 1:50 p.m. located at the junction of Georgia Highway 151 and U.S. Highway 41 in Ringgold. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
7. Army of the Cumberland Assaults Missionary Ridge
3 p.m.
Park Ranger Anton Heinlein will lead a guided walking tour focusing on the Army of the Cumberland’s assault against Missionary Ridge on Nov. 25, 1863. After Sherman’s attack failed against the north end of Missionary Ridge, and Hooker’s advance stalled, the Army of the Cumberland was ordered to advance and occupy the Rebel rifle pits located at the base of Missionary Ridge, and wait for further orders. Learn what happened next that becomes one of the most remarkable charges known in military history.
This walking tour will focus on the Army of the Cumberland’s successful assault and occupation of Missionary Ridge. This hiking tour is along Crest Road with portions of the route up and down steep paved roads. Bring a bottle of water and comfortable, supportive walking footwear. Come dressed appropriately for the conditions.
Meet Park Ranger Anton Heinlein at the Bragg Reservation located on South Crest Road. This 1.5 mile walking tour ends at the De Long Reservation located on North Crest Road.
For more information on the anniversary events, please call the National Park Service Visitor Information Desk at (423) 821-7786.
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