Special interpretive programs scheduled are for Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19, at the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in commemoration of the 143rd Anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga.
The Battles for Chattanooga, fought Nov. 23-25, 1863, brought a close to the five-month Chattanooga Campaign. During these battles, Union forces under the command of Major General Ulysses S. Grant assaulted Confederate forces on Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, forcing the Confederate Army of Tennessee to retreat to Dalton.
Living History Demonstrations
Saturday, Nov. 18
Confederate Infantry and Artillery volunteers will conduct demonstrations at Point Park, located on historic Lookout Mountain. Infantry demonstrations will begin at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Artillery demonstrations will begin at 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.
Ranger Guided Tours
Moccasin Bend Civil War Sites
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.
A park ranger will lead a two-mile walking tour of Civil War sites located on historic Moccasin Bend. During the Siege of Chattanooga, Union artillery located on Moccasin Bend fired at Confederate positions on Lookout Mountain in support of the Union attack during the Nov. 24, 1863, Battle of Lookout Mountain.
This tour will meet at the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Hospital parking area located at the end of Moccasin Bend Road. This tour will last approximately two hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Missionary Ridge Bus Tour
Saturday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m.
The Chattanooga Regional History Museum, in partnership with the National Park Service, is sponsoring a guided bus tour focusing on the Army of the Cumberland’s participation in the Battles for Chattanooga. Sites to be visited on this tour include the Fort Wood district, Orchard Knob, and Missionary Ridge. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Please contact the Chattanooga Regional History Museum at (423) 265-3247 for more details.
Battle of Lookout Mountain Tour
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.
A local historian will lead a guided hiking tour of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield. On Nov. 24, 1863, Major General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker was given orders to “make a demonstration” against the Confederates positioned on the slopes of Lookout Mountain. Hooker’s demonstration later became known as the “Battle Above the Clouds.”
This tour will meet at the Cravens House parking area on Cravens Terrace Road located off of Scenic Highway (TN. Route 148) on historic Lookout Mountain and last approximately two hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Battle of Ringgold Gap Tour
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.
A park ranger will lead a car caravan tour of the Ringgold Gap Battlefield. On Nov. 27, 1863, Confederate troops commanded by Major General Patrick Cleburne stopped and defended Ringgold Gap against advancing Federal forces commanded by Major General Joseph Hooker. This defense allowed the Army of Tennessee to retreat safely to Dalton.
This tour will meet at the Ingles Grocery store parking lot located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and Georgia Highway 151 in Ringgold. This tour will take approximately two hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Living History Demonstrations
Sunday, Nov. 19
Confederate Artillery and Infantry volunteers will conduct demonstrations at Point Park, located on historic Lookout Mountain. Artillery demonstrations will begin at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Infantry demonstrations will begin at 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.
Ranger Guided Tours
Sherman Reservation Tour
Sunday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m.
A park ranger will lead a walking tour of the Sherman Reservation, located at the northern end of Missionary Ridge. Ulysses S. Grant’s plan for the Battle of Missionary Ridge involved Major General William T. Sherman occupying the north end of Missionary Ridge and moving south along the ridge to push the Confederate Army of Tennessee from the high ground and into north Georgia. However, Sherman encountered several obstacles on Nov. 24 and 25, 1863, resulting in costly delays.
This walking tour will meet at the Sherman Reservation sign located at the intersection of North Crest Road and Lightfoot Mill Road. This tour will take approximately two hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Missionary Ridge Walking Tour
Sunday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m.
A park ranger will lead a two mile walking tour of Missionary Ridge. During the afternoon of Nov. 25, 1863, orders were given for the Army of the Cumberland to advance and occupy the Confederate rifle pits located at the base of Missionary Ridge, and wait for further orders. However, without orders, the Federal troops began a massive charge up the western slopes of the ridge. This tour will focus on the Union assault and Confederate defense of the ridge.
The tour will meet at Bragg Reservation, located on South Crest Road and will end at the DeLong Reservation on North Crest Road. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and wear appropriate clothing for this walk.
For further information contact the National Park Service at (423) 821-7786.