The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will be commemorating the 139th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga with a weekend of activities. On September 19 and 20, 1863 two days of fighting would scar the forests and fields along the Chickamauga Creek in Northwest Georgia. At its conclusion over 34,000 Americans were counted as casualties, and over 4,000 soldiers were dead.
The park staff will be presenting a variety of special walks, tours, and living history programs interpreting the battle actions 139 years ago. Programs will be conducted on Friday, September 13, Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15 at various locations on the Chickamauga Battlefield.
Visitor Center extended hours will be 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on September 13, 14, and 15.
All tours will start at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.
Friday, September 13
10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. - Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield
A Park Ranger will lead a 90-minute car caravan tour covering the highlights of the Battle of Chickamauga.
6:30 p.m. – Chickamauga Creek “The Confederate Crossing”
Park Ranger Jim Blackwell will conduct a 2-mile walking tour near the Helm Hunt farm along the Chickamauga Creek. The Confederate Army crossings on September 18 and 19, 1863 set the stage for a Confederate victory in the fields and woods near the “River of Death”. The tour will be making frequent stops to explore local landmarks, discuss battle actions, and learn about the aftermath of the battle. A car caravan will form at the Visitor’s Center.
Saturday, September 14
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Author David Evans
David Evans, author of Sherman’s Horsemen, the story of Union cavalry operations in the Atlanta Campaign, and Random Acts of Kindness, the Civil War stories of mercy from both the Confederate and Union Armies, will be at the Visitor’s Center to discuss and sign these books.
9 a.m. - Bicycle Tour
Park Ranger Rebecca Karcher will lead a 7-mile bicycle tour of Chickamauga Battlefield. Along the tour route several stops will be made to highlight battle actions of September 19 and 20, 1863. The bicycle tour will follow established roadways in the battlefield and is primarily over flat terrain. Bicycle helmets are required for all participants under 16 years old.
10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. - Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield
A Park Ranger will lead a 90-minute car caravan tour covering the highlights of the Battle of Chickamauga.
2 p.m. - The Viniard Farm- “The Ditch of Death”
Park Ranger Blackwell will lead a tour and explore the September 19, 1863 actions during the Battle of Chickamauga at the Viniard Farm. Battle action for control of the Lafayette Road marks the scene of some of the most desperate fighting during the two days at Chickamauga. The tour begins at the Visitor’s Center
6:30 p.m. Confederate Night Attack Walking Tour
Park Historian James Ogden will lead a special twilight walking tour exploring the night attack at Chickamauga. This tour will examine the sunset attack of Confederate Generals Pat Cleburne’s and Frank Cheatham’s divisions against Union troops of Baird’s and Johnson’s Divisions near the Winfrey and Brock Fields. The walk will cover approximately 1-½ miles on roads and trails through woods and across fields. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Follow special event signs to parking.
Living History Programs:
Artillery Demonstrations
The Viniard Farm along Lafayette Road will be the scene of an artillery display and firing demonstrations. Firing demonstrations will include the tactical maneuvering of a limbered piece with a team of horses and static firing of the guns. Demonstrations will be conducted at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. A “School of the Piece” program where visitors can learn “hands on” the process of loading and firing a cannon will be conducted at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. The artillery battery will be open to visitors for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow the special event signs to the artillery encampment.
Infantry Demonstrations
Living Historians of the 21st Ohio will demonstrate infantry tactics, weapons and camp life at the Viniard Farm at 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Follow the special event signs to the infantry encampment.
4th Ohio Cavalry at Chickamauga Program
Descendants of members of the 4th Ohio Cavalry and some horse mounted Living Historians will present a program on the role of the 4th Ohio Cavalry in the Chickamauga campaign. The program will take place at the 4th Ohio Cavalry monument on the west side of the Wilder Brigade monument at tour stop 6.
Sunday, September 15
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Author David Evans
David Evans, author of Sherman’s Horsemen, the story of Union cavalry operations in the Atlanta Campaign, and Random Acts of Kindness, the Civil War stories of mercy from both the Confederate and Union Armies, will be at the Visitor Center to discuss and sign these books.
9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. - Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield
A Park Ranger will lead a 90-minute car caravan tour covering the highlights of the Battle of Chickamauga.
11 a.m.- Longstreet’s Breach of the Federal Line
Park Ranger Lee White will lead an approximately 1 1/2-hour walking tour near the Brotherton Farm. On the late morning of September 20, 1863 the Confederate Army would deal a devastating blow to the Union Army. Longstreet’s assault at the Brotherton Farm would send one-third of the Union Army in flight from Chickamauga. The tour will assemble at the Brotherton Cabin on Lafayette Road. Follow special program signs to the site.
3 p.m. – Snodgrass Hill - “The Final Hours”
Park Ranger Karcher will lead a two-mile walking tour across the slopes of Snodgrass Hill. On the afternoon and evening hours of September 20, 1863 the final battle actions would seal an armies fate. Explore the consequences of battle decisions and what the Confederate and Union Armies both won and lost. The tour will assemble at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center before driving to the trailhead. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Living History Programs:
Artillery Demonstrations
The Viniard Farm along the Lafayette Road will be the scene of an artillery display and firing demonstrations. Firing demonstrations will include the tactical maneuvering of a limbered piece with a team of horses and static firing of the guns. Demonstrations will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. A “School of the Piece” program where visitors can learn “hands on” the process of loading and firing a cannon will be conducted at 1 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The artillery battery will be open to visitors for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow the special event signs to the artillery encampment.
Infantry Demonstrations
Living Historians of the 21st Ohio will demonstrate infantry tactics, weapons and camp life at the Viniard Farm at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Follow the special event signs to the infantry encampment.