Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and the Friends of the Park invite the public to come experience the newest edition to the Orchard Knob neighborhood. The park and Friends plan to unveil two new interpretive wayside exhibits atop the Orchard Knob Reservation. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 5 pm, Park Superintendent Brad Bennett will discuss the historical importance of the area and the continued importance of the community that surrounds Orchard Knob. This special event will occur in conjunction with the annual Orchard Knob Neighborhood Association block party.
On Nov. 23, 1863, thousands of blue-clad soldiers assaulted and crashed around a few hundred Confederates stationed atop Orchard Knob. After a brief, yet desperate fight, the small knoll was securely in Union hands. From the knob, two days later, General U.S. Grant directed the Union army’s attack on Missionary Ridge. It is the park’s hope that these new wayside exhibits will provide a clearer picture of what transpired on those fateful November days in 1863.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.